GCA3 TOP THREE

BATTING

S. Loftus (Geelong West) 222 H. Coulson (Thomson) 81* S. Allen (Geelong West) 51*

BOWLING

B. Wolfenden (St Alb-Break) 5-13 B. Wemyss (Modewarre) 4-15 A. Asekar (Thomson) 4-21 MODEWARRE requires just a further 55 runs with eight wickets in hand to claim first-innings points over Alexander Thomson. Modewarre bowlers Brendan Wemyss, Nathan Saunders and Aaron Hovey combined for eight scalps between them as the Vikings were skittled for 124 in 58.2 overs after winning the toss at Highton Reserve. Only youngster Harrison Whyte (28) added much resistance in the middle order. Jack Hosking (33) and Jake Ibbs (26) got Modewarre off to a fast start, but Kieren Helwig’s two wickets late in the day has given the Vikings a glimmer a hope. THOMSON tuned up for finals by sealing first-innings points against Corio well inside day one of their clash at Shell Reserve. Winning the toss and putting the Devils in, Dylan Shelley (48) was once more a lone hand in a sorry total of 81 all out, with no other batsman making it into double figures. Abhilash Asekar (4-21) and Grant Dew (2-3) were best with the ball for the Tigers. Asekar’s 13 overs included five maidens and a spread of wickets through the Devils’ batting card. In response, Hamish Coulson cracked an unbeaten 81, combining with Tom Cockerell (28) and Adam Bliss (14 not out) to grab six points. Full points beckon next week. THIS clash is set to go down to the wire with the Supersaints still requiring 85 runs for victory with just four wickets in hand in pursuit of a modest target. Matt Mott (2 not out) and Michael Bogan (0 not out) will resume after Bailey Kelly and Trent Thompson snared four St Albans wickets between them. Earlier, Ben Wolfenden took 5-13 off 8.2 overs to skittle the Saints for 145.