Bats in rush to get the match won

SOUTH Barwon scorched to a first-round victory over Geelong City in 29 overs thanks to a 38-ball 58 from Joel Davies and a quick-fire, unbeaten 66 from Phil Lang.

Despite losing Richie Oliver for 21 and Cody Brogden for 25, the Sharks reached 2-62 and looked set for a defendable tally before a collapse sparked by Englishman Lewis Sharp (2-36), captain Terry Hill (2-33) and Jack Spence (3-14).

The Sharks lost 6-19, slumping to 8-81 before Logan Taylor battled back with a brilliantly compiled, unbeaten 65.

Veteran Darren Hauenstein (2-17) swept the last pair to leave Taylor stranded with nine overs to come.

“I think we all bowled pretty well in patches as both our bowling and field placements were really attacking, but Logan Taylor did get a hold of us through that middle to late area,” Swans captain Terry Hill said.

“He batted really well and certainly saved them from getting bowled out under 100.

“Lewis Sharp’s opening was a bit scratchy, but then he settled in to bowl 10 straight and did really well.”

Davies and Lang were commanding from the outset, smashing the Sharks attack to all parts of South Barwon Reserve.

“Joel and Phil really set the tone straight away,” Hill said.

“It was really great to get away on a winning note.”