Quick’s big bag boosts hopes

Reed fires Cats to win

TEARAWAY Geelong quick Jake Reed hopes a five-wicket haul against Melbourne University will be the springboard he needs to force his way back into the Victorian line-up.

Reed, who was overlooked for Victoria’s Futures League side, dismantled Uni on Saturday as the Cats collected their fourth win of the Victorian Premier Cricket season.

His 5-42 from 22 overs combined with in-form paceman Dom McGlinchey (3-20 from 12) as Geelong’s fast bowlers spearheaded a comfortable 85run win at University Oval.

“It’s been a great start to the year for the boys,” Reed said.

“We only had the one hiccup against St Kilda, but apart from that, we’ve been pretty good. We’re pretty happy to get another win.”

With Melbourne Uni resuming at 5-60 in pursuit of Geelong’s first innings total of 188, Reed and McGlinchey put the foot on the throat of the home side in the first session.

Isaiah Borgas and Liam Scammell, not out overnight, were knocked over quickly, exposing Uni’s tail.

Wes Agar (16) and Fawad Ahmed (12) offered some resistance, before Brenton McDonald picked up the final wicket to dismiss Uni for 103 in the 50th over.

“It was a pretty bowler friendly deck but, as a bowling group, we were superb,” Reed said. “We’ve got a good attack at the moment. We’re well balanced with a few quicks and (leg-spinner) ‘ Les’ McDonald, and Dom McGlinchey has come a long way since I last played with him.”

McGlinchey now has 12 wickets at 14.42 in five matches, strengthening his case for higher honours.

“The way he’s going, he’s definitely not far off a Futures League call-up,” Reed said.

“His bowling has come on in leaps and bounds in the last couple of years and his batting is superb. I think that’s the way forward. If Dom can get his way up the order and is peeling off some runs as well, there’s no doubt Victorian selection won’t be far away.”

Reed also delivered a timely reminder to state selectors that he is far from a spent force following recent injury-ravaged seasons.

“I was pretty proud to get a five-for and be back playing for Geelong,” he said.

“I was pretty disappointed to get dropped for the Futures League this week, but that’s the way it goes.

“We’ve got a list of about 30 players, so there’s going to be some rotations, but all I can do is keep rocking up every day and train, and then come down to the Cattery and try to get wickets and win games.

“Being in the final year of my contract, I want to play every game to prove I’m still good enough. All I can do is keep putting scores on the board.”