Will Two Blues break through or Pies prevail again?

ONE team is chasing its first Geelong Cricket Association top-flight premiership in more than 20 years while another is looking to secure its sixth flag in a row.

The scene is set for a cracking GCA first XI grand final between Newtown & Chilwell and North Geelong at South Barwon Reserve starting tomorrow (Saturday, March 29) at 11am.

The Two Blues enter the contest off the back of one of the best individual bowling performances in association history.

Young pace bowler Noah Guida snared 8-20 in the preliminary final win against Grovedale, including a hat-trick.

Coach Chris Williams said Guida (5-87) also bowled exceptionally well in the semi-final loss to the Magpies.

“It’s funny, he probably bowled nearly as well the week before and we probably underrate the value of luck a bit in cricket.

 

“You can beat the edge plenty of times and not get it or you can have a day where it’s all going to hand and taking the edge, which it was a bit like that on Saturday.

“So if he give us a third week in row of the way he’s been bowling, it’s going to put us in a really good spot.”

North Geelong’s aggressive batting approach – with poor weather in mind – paid dividends in the semi as their 9-281 (declared) from 74 overs was far too strong for the Two Blues, who slumped to 137.

Captain Tom Mathieson said the Magpies were as motivated as ever to triumph again.

“I guess people probably think we’re not as we’ve been there the last five years but we’re still so hungry.

“There are still a few boys that haven’t had that premiership success in our Firsts and Seconds.”

Bailey Sykes is enjoying his first at the club after switching from Grovedale while Lachie Hayes had success with the club previously and returned this season.

 

Williams and Mathieson both said there was likely to be a lot of runs scored and the match would come down which team could stand up in the big moments.

Magpies opener Ned Cooper, who scored 106 from 168 balls, was the difference in the semi-final and Mathieson said he wouldn’t be surprised if he went big again.

North Geelong will also feature in the 2nd XI grand final against East Belmont at Herne Hill Reserve.

Meanwhile, it was a three-way tie for the Jack Sing Medal – cricketer of the year award – this week with Two Blues all-rounder Lachie Sperling, North Geelong’s Phil Visser and East Belmont captain Shane McNamara finishing on 13 votes each.