End of a perfect run

Unbeaten Geelong Cement, Drysdale go head-to-head

THE perfect start after three rounds is on the line at Geelong Cement tomorrow when the club hosts Drysdale.

Both teams have enjoyed a clean start after two rounds after adding some depth to their line-ups during the offseason.

Former Bannockburn pair Rhys Van Ingan and Chris Kearns, along with Nathan Shiells from City of Geelong, have boosted the back end for Cement, while Colin Werrett has started the season throwing the jack for Barry Fox.

Skipper Glenn Slattery said “the form of Gary Connolly’s team has been terrific in the first two games — wins of 15 and 16 setting us up overall”.

“Both teams at 2-0 should be a cracker,” Drysdale coach Cal Inderberg said.

Adrian Marston, Jacko Reilly, Karina Van Weel and Tony Jeffrey are the new inclusions to the Drysdale side that has helped replace Rhys Jeffs from last year’s side.

Aidan Keranen has been given the chance to step up and skip, and coming off a five-shot win last week against Highton he can take that positive into tomorrow’s blockbuster.

Morale at the new City of Geelong complex is riding high despite its top Saturday pennant side featuring in the local Division One competition for the first time in 20 years.

Relegated from GeelongBallarat Premier Division last season, the combine’s sights will be firmly set on a return to the highest level and have started their campaign with back-to-back wins.

Chairman Zane Lugg said the first two rounds had been important.

“We have settled well with two wins. Torquay at home was a great start and then to come from behind against Ocean Grove last week was a big bonus to get the win,” Lugg said.

“Division One will be tough but we are positive we can do well. Our objective is to enjoy the game as much as anything and develop for the future.”

Leopold will face an uphill battle this season after many departures from its promoted Division Two side from last season, but skipper Ben Russell is excited about the battle.

“We have started slow but we have several players that have been given the opportunity to play Division One for the first time. Our goals are to improve each week and work towards staying in Division One,” Russell said.

For Leopold, Russell will be a key figure leading the way on that mission.