Magpies hold off valiant Cats

NORTH Geelong held off a valiant Lara outfit to start their premiership defence 2-0 in the GCA 1 First XI competition.

The Cats won the toss and opted to bat, finishing their 50 overs with a decent score of 6/199. Runs were evenly spread, with Visesh Malhotra again leading the way with 48.

It took the Magpies 47 overs but they were able to chase down the total, finishing the match at 5/200 thanks to 58 runs apiece from middle order duo Philip Visser and Connor Hangan.

South Barwon join North Geelong as the other undefeated side so far after chasing down Newtown & Chilwell’s total of 253 in the 49th over. Harry Hauenstein was the hero for the Swans, finishing with an impressive 111 not out including the match-sealing runs.

It leaves the Two Blues at the bottom of the ladder after reaching last year’s grand final.

East Belmont had their first win of the season after successfully defending their total of 3/251 against Grovedale.

The winless Tigers fell short with the bat, finishing their innings at 9/230. Lions bowler James McMahon took five wickets in the win and batter James Lidgett made 82 runs.

St Peter’s also tasted victory for the first time this season, holding off St Joseph’s after batting first and making 248. Saints batsman William Ford scored 112 not out, while James Stokes took five wickets including the finishing blow in the 49th over.

In the GCA 2 First XI, Highton beat Alexander Thomson, Bell Park beat Geelong City, Torquay beat Bell Post Hill and Leopold beat Geelong West.