Magpies pick up where they left off

A FIVE-wicket haul from Alistair McCann has seen North Geelong start their premiership defence with a win over Grovedale in Round 2 of the GCA 1st XI competition.

After Round 1 was abandoned due to wet weather, the league started at the weekend and the Magpies picked up where they left off.

Despite an impressive six wickets from Tigers paceman Sam Coutts, North Geelong were all out for 241 in the 49th over, but defended their score and rolled Grovedale for 215 from 47 overs.

In their first match back in the top division, Lara upset last year’s runners up Newtown & Chilwell in dominant fashion.

Led by an incredible unbeaten 209 from Vishesh Malhotra, the Cats posted 3/352 after being sent in to bat. They easily defended their total, knocking the Two-Blues all out for 210 in just
35 overs.

South Barwon cruised to a home victory over St Peters, chasing down 190 in just 35 overs. A solid innings from Harry Hauenstein was crucial to the win, with the batsman scoring 72 runs from 94 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.

St Joseph’s have held off East Belmont thanks to a 131-run effort from gun recruit Zane Keighran, which included 15 fours and nine sixes.

Joeys finished their innings at 5/334 and toppled the Lions for 239 in the 45th over. Youngster Ollie King led their bowling attack, taking five wickets.

In the 1st XI 2nd competition, Highton beat Torquay, Bell Park beat Alexander Thomson, Geelong City beat Geelong West and Leopold beat Bell Post Hill.