SUMMER SOAKER
Storms lash region but East finds a way
EAST Belmont has climbed into second place on the GCA1 ladder after comfortably running down a revised target in its weather-affected match against South Barwon.
After the impact of multiple stoppages throughout the day the Lions were set 89 from 21 overs to win, following on from the Swans 8-176 in 42 overs.
Earlier, a testing run chase looked the order of the day after crack all-rounder Joel Davies and lanky left-hander David Linke clocked 54 apiece in contributing a run-a-ball, second-wicket stand of 86 before the aggression-induced flurry of activity saw wickets fall at a steady rate.
While David Lineen (2-33) claimed two top-order scalps, fourth-change spinner Matt Lineker made things difficult for the Swans in producing 5-28 from his nine-over spell.
“He’s just so reliable and you really know what you’re going to get from him,” Lions coach Chris Williams said of Lineker.
“He’s probably a bit more skilful than what people give him credit for. He came on after drinks when the game was probably getting away from us a little bit.”
Sixteen-year-old all-rounder Charlie Walter reaffirmed his talent claiming the prized scalp of Davies on his way to 1-25.
Despite further rain interruptions, Sean O’Neill and Andrew Baars managed the chase superbly, running down the target with an over to spare.
O’Neill struck seven boundaries in his unbeaten 50, while Baars carried the fence once and hit four fours in his 37.
“It’s a bit of a luxury when those two take the sting out of what is a pretty tough chase,” Williams said.
“Looking at the original target of 177, we were well-placed at the first rain delay. Full credit to the umpires and the South Barwon guys for allowing a game to occur.”
Leopold reached 0-17 before play was abandoned at North Geelong, while the match between Lara and Grovedale was called off.