Two Blues and Heat contest goes down to the wire

HIGHTON and Newtown & Chilwell could not be separated after 100 overs of cricket, the teams splitting the points following a tied match.

A half-century from Tom Meredith (56) ensured the Two Blues made a positive start, eventually posting 7-178 from their 50 overs.

Top-order batsman Scott Edwards (42) and James Gillard (42) got Highton’s run chase started before Newtown & Chilwell swung the momentum back its way.

Entering the final over, Highton needed 12 runs with one wicket in hand. The final over had it all: a huge six from Matthew Tattersall (16), a stumping chance that was turned down, a wide, and ultimately it came down to the last ball with the Heat needing one run to win. With the field up, Tattersall looked to find a gap, striking one in the air to mid-on where Sam Allen took a blinder of a catch to secure the tie.

Two Blues captain Dylan Hodge said it was a strange feeling after the final ball, with the initial excitement quickly followed by mixed emotions having been in winning positions at times throughout the day but not coming away with the desired result.

“It was the first tie I’ve been involved in… it swung throughout the day, there were times where we felt on top and certainly when they would’ve too.

“Hindsight’s an easy thing. It’s much easier to look back on and see things you might have done a bit different.”

Newtown & Chilwell will now take on Grovedale, Hodge having no doubt the Tigers would be fired up and eager to respond after having their colours lowered on Saturday.

“I expect them to bounce back strongly, but as long as we bring our best cricket I’m sure we can beat anyone.”

North Geelong put Grovedale to the sword, winning by 178 runs. Jacob Thorne made 98 as the Magpies posted 8-228. The Tigers were then dismissed for just 50 runs, Tim Arnel (4-28) and Tom Mathieson (4-9) doing the damage.

In other GCA1 matches, St Joesph’s got home in a thriller against Leopold, winning by just two wickets; Murgheboluc comfortably tracked down Lara’s total of 135; while East Belmont got the points over South Barwon.