High totals, seven-wicket haul feature in GCA1

NORTH Geelong have made a commanding start with the bat in their clash with Grovedale, as the GCA1 returned to two-day matches for the last three rounds of the season.

Day one saw the Magpies all out for a whopping 305 after 85 overs, leaving the Tigers a tough target score this weekend.

Vice-captain and opener made 110 in an impressive innings that included 14 fours, whilst Adam Costello added 60 runs through the middle order.

Grovedale’s Nathan Berry finished the first innings with four wickets.

St Peter’s also finished the first day of their match with South Barwon in a strong position, sitting at 5/282 from 90 overs.

The Saint were led by captain Luke Ford, who came in at third and is unbeaten on 129 runs.

There is plenty to play for on day two for both sides, with a finals spot possibly up for grabs for the winner.

St Josephs also piled on the runs against East Belmont, with 75 runs from opener Oliver Metcalfe helping them finish the first innings all out for 280.

The Lions began batting late on day one, finishing at 0/22, and will continue their run chase this weekend in what looms to be a tight finish.

Newtown & Chilwell were skittled by Lara for 178 runs thanks to a seven-wicket onslaught from Luke Wilson.

The low total put the Cats in the box seat, however the Two Blues forced three late wickets to make things interesting.

Lara will enter day two at 3/77, with a top four spot the best outcome should they secure a win.