GCA one win from final after Williams haul
EAST Belmont leggie Chris Williams made full use of a wicket conducive to spin, igniting the Geelong Cricket Association’s four-wicket win over Murray Valley yesterday in Melbourne Country Week.
Williams took 4-17 off 10 overs of control and turn as the GCA bowled its opposition out for 138 in 49.4 overs in Hoppers Crossing.
Geelong was on shaky ground at 5-61 in reply when Chris Bambury joined Matt Lineker, Glen Talarico, Richie Oliver (25) and Tom Milnes in the sheds, before Pat Richards (44 not out) and Dylan McMahon (31) combined for a 58-run stand that proved decisive.
Geelong took until the 48th over to make the runs but has set up a semi-final clash with Mornington Peninsula today for the right to play in the grand final tomorrow.
“They (Murray Valley) never really got on top of us, but we made hard work of it in the middle there, 5-61, but the partnership between Patty Richards and Dylan McMahon, and their running between wickets, was fantastic,” GCA coach Brad Stacey said.
“It was disappointing that one of them (McMahon) went out just before making the runs, but it was good.”
Richards soaked up 126 balls to steady the innings when the match was evenly poised, and has also proved his worth in the field.
Williams put the clamps on Murray Valley’s middle order and also teamed up with McMahon for a run-out.
“That wicket suited him (Williams),” Stacey said.
“Today he was switched on and they couldn’t hit him, really.” The GCA will take on Mornington Peninsula at Northcote.
THE Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association suffered a two-wicket loss in a highly competitive match against Central Gippsland. The BPCA made 170, which was chased down in the 43rd over. Ocean Grove’s Jackson Kent took 4-14 from 10 overs. Ben Grinter top scored with 38.