Hitout a Cat coup

GEELONG players pressing for a berth in the first XI were given an unlikely second chance yesterday.

With the opening round of Premier cricket washed out, the Cats played an intraclub practice match at Kardinia Park.

An Eamonn Vines-led “Blue” team, comprising boom recruit Brenton McDonald and the core group of star batsmen, took on the “White team” skippered by Luke Muller that included the first XI bowlers.

It was an opportunity for the second XI stars to press their claim for a berth in Round 2 against Melbourne, with Leyton Thulborn named to make his debut earlier this week after impressing in the previous practice match.

“Leyton took his opportunity last weekend. He bowled himself into a spot, and Gus Boyd was always a good chance to play, but a good hundred confirmed that,” Muller said yesterday.

McDonald, a former Mel- bourne leg-spinner, blew out the cobwebs after arriving home from England earlier this week.

“He’s had the opportunity to rest up and his body is feeling good. He’s fresh and he’s feeling strong. He’s going to be a huge inclusion for our team,” said Muller, adding that yesterday’s hitout was beneficial for the bowling group.

“With the limited preparation on turf, a lot of them are still building into preseason and they are the ones that will enjoy this the most,” he said.

“From our point of view it’s really important to get them bowling as much as they can and bowling loads are so important.”

While the season opener was abandoned with the majority of grounds being unsuitable for play, Geelong Cricket Ground was in perfect condition.

“It’s a delayed start, and it’s never great, but we just need to keep focusing on our prep so the players can roll into Round 2 and not be questioning their form,” Muller said.