Attack setback

Hornet hurt in country week loss

A HAMSTRING injury to South Barwon veteran Brad Hauenstein has compounded Geelong’s one-wicket defeat to Bairnsdale in Round 2 of Melbourne Country Week yesterday.

Defending 174, the GCA had its counterparts reeling at 6-27, before Bairnsdale fought back to chase down the target with one wicket and seven balls in hand.

But the GCA’s bowling attack was without Hauenstein, who injured his hamstring while batting in a late-innings rescue mission.

Sent in to bat, the GCA was struggling at 5-63, before Hauenstein (31) and Andrew Fergusson (53 not out) struck up a partnership, putting on 65 to get their side to a competitive total.

Coach Brad Stacey thought his side had enough runs on the board to win.

“The outfield was really slow, it was a lush outfield, so 174 was a good total,” Stacey said.

“We did well to get that after we lost a few in the top order — I think we were 5-63 so to get 174, the guys in the back end did all right.

“They sent us in and the wicket at 10am had a little bit in it for the bowlers, but our seamers exploited it early too; we had them 6-27 and 8-84.”

Reagan Kyle was Bairnsdale’s matchwinner — the keeper-batsman belting 82 not out from 109 balls at No. 7.

“There were a couple of half chances we probably didn’t grab, but that’s cricket really,” Stacey said.

“Their No. 10 came out and he could play too. When you play in these games, when you get to nine, 10, 11, these guys can bat because they bat high for their clubs.

“You don’t take anything for granted there.”

With Hauenstein out for the rest of the week and a number of players unavailable, Stacey will have a reshaped line-up for today’s Round 3 match against Murray Valley.

Grovedale all-rounder Glen Talarico replaces Sean O’Neill in the top order, while Fergusson will rest after tweaking his groin.

All-rounders Tom Milnes (Murgheboluc) and Dylan McMahon (East Belmont) will join the squad, while spinner Chris Williams returns to the team after playing Monday.

“If we win and win well, we set ourselves up for a semi-final on Thursday. It’s in our hands really,” Stacey said.

Meanwhile, Wangaratta & District handed the BPCA a 122-run loss yesterday in division three action.