Magpies clinch seventh-straight GCA1 flag

NORTH Geelong have beaten East Belmont in convincing fashion to claim their GCA1 record-breaking seventh straight premiership.

At South Barwon Reserve last weekend, the Magpies continued their incredible run to win by 157 runs and etch their name into the history books.

Although the Lions were the only team to beat them this season, North Geelong entered the clash as heavy favourites and elected to bat first after winning the toss.

A 91-run effort from Sam Hall led the way, with the Magpies lasting 86 overs and finishing at a commanding 334.

Jack Jenkins took four wickets for East Belmont and helped his side avoid an even bigger total, as North Geelong were 4/245 at one point.

As East Belmont went into bat, grit and grand final experience showed for North Geelong, with a five-wicket haul from Bailey Sykes seeing the Lions all out for just 177.

The Magpies’ seven straight flags is now the largest streak in GCA history, breaking their rival Newtown & Chilwell’s record of six between 1978-79 and 1983-84.

In the GCA2, Leopold overcame Highton to claim their first-grade premiership in 31 years.

After making 259 in their innings thanks to 88 runs from Joseph Vallelonga, the Lions ran through the Heat’s bottom order to bowl them out for 148.

Vice-captain Hayden Butterworth took four wickets in the drought-breaking victory, while captain Tom Treble added three.

Waurn Ponds Deakin took out the GCA3 flag against Murgheboluc after a blitzing bowling effort that skittled their opponents for a mere 55.

In the GCA4, Newcomb & Districts won their first premiership in nine years after beating Little River by three wickets in a thriller.