Geelong juniors set for defining month

GEELONG’s under-18 Premier Men will head into their final match of the season with a strong chance of going back-to-back, following an impressive start through six rounds.

With one round remaining in January, the Cats sit fourth on the ladder with just one loss and will take on sixth-placed Richmond as they look to keep their premiership defence alive.

A win would likely secure a top-four spot, while a loss could see them slip out of contention. Only the top eight sides will progress to finals.

Xavier Grant leads the Cats’ run scorers with 126 runs, with Lachlan Russell close behind on 124.

Joshua Slater has taken 11 wickets to lead the way for his side, with Liam Biddiscombe adding 10 himself.

The Cats’ under-18 Premier Women will begin their season in the new year in a seven-round competition condensed into a busy 17-day period. Last season, a sixth-place finish saw them miss out on playing finals.

The under-16 boys WJ Dowling Shield and under-15 girls Marg Jennings Cup will also begin in January.

The Cats’ girls will enter as reigning premiers, while the boys will be looking to avenge last season’s grand final loss.