Vines stakes Vic claim

GEELONG captain Eamonn Vines has boosted his hopes of earning another state cap with an “inspirational” ton in Geelong’s breakthrough win over Greenvale.

Vines, who has been part of Victoria’s Futures League team for the past three seasons, is again knocking down the door of selection in the wake of his 126 at Geelong Cricket Ground on Saturday.

The 135-ball knock, which included 10 boundaries, helped the Cats post 9-264 before restricting the Kangaroos to 188.

Geelong coach Andre Borovec described the innings as inspiring.

“The fact that we reached that total, especially after being 5-120, was a credit to Eamonn’s knock and his ability to bat through the innings,” Borovec said.

“It was a well-paced innings, but as he does, he gives himself a chance at the start and he’s able to rotate the strike to get in and tick the scoreboard over. “Once we were five wickets down, he needed to bat through and he did.

“He’s really grown as a leader in the last few seasons and that was another example of it. There was a critical moment and he took it upon himself to get through. It’s another big tick.”

With a competitive total on the board, the Cats struck consistently to leave Greenvale well short of the target.

All seven bowlers picked up wickets, with last week’s fivewicket hero Angus Boyd claiming two scalps.

Debutant Josh Cobb failed with the bat, making a duck, but snared 1-23 with spin to contribute to the win.

With 334 runs at an average of 111.33 after four rounds, Vines would be pencilled in for another appearance in the Victorian second XI.

“You expect him to be well and truly up for selection,” Borovec declared.

“His Premier cricket form will help him state his case for higher honours.’’