Cement aims to solidify position
WITH three wins on the board in its first season back in Division 1, Geelong Cement chairman of selectors Glenn Slattery knows it needs to double that win-loss ratio to stay in the competition.
“We set ourselves a goal at the start of the season to win six or seven matches, we are on track with that goal with three at the halfway mark,” Slattery said.
“This week against Highton 2 would be a massive bonus.”
While playing Highton on its surface will be a challenge, the visitors know what it takes to be competitive.
“We have been in winning positions at the break in seven out of the nine weeks,” he said.
“What’s been disappointing is our finish. The last 20 ends of the match we let our guard down.
“We need to be better in finishing off the match.”
Asked what it would take to win, the Geelong Cement skipper said: “Front-end pressure against the better sides is crucial.
“They have to lay the foundation for our back end to be able to play their role, not just putting pressure on our leads and twos, we as thirds and skips need to step up as well when it matters.
“The difference in standard between Div 1 and Div 2 is huge, we need 16 contributors to be competitive.
“We have continually made adjustments to the team to try to find the right combinations, so hopefully this week it all comes together.”
Brad Shiells leads the way for the club as the leading skipper so far with four wins.
Gary Connolly and Barry Fox are at the helm of the remaining two rinks.
In other Round 10 matches tomorrow before the Christmas break, Highton 1 travels to St Leonards in what would be the match of the round, while Portarlington will be keen to bounce back with a win against the in-form Ocean Grove side.
Torquay will be keen to consolidate a top-four position at home against Belmont and Drysdale takes on bottom side Lara at home.