Geelong set big chase by Rams
GEELONG will have its work cut out for it next week after Ringwood posted a mammoth 8-373 at Geelong Cricket Ground on Saturday.
The Rams won the toss and skipper Ian Holland had no hesitation in telling opening duo David King and Joe Weatherley to put the pads on, with that pair setting the tone for the afternoon with a firstwicket stand of 70.
Weatherley’s dismissal for 42 brought Holland to the crease and the in-form dynamo wasted little time adding to the tally. Holland (103) and King (139) combined for a second-wicket partnership of 191, providing a platform for Ringwood’s middle and lower order batsmen to launch in the final session.
Paceman Jake Reed (2-71) nabbed two wickets in quick succession but the Rams powered away to set an imposing target for the Cats, and Holland said he could not have been happier with his team’s effort at the crease.
“It was a really good day. Our two openers got off to a nice start and David and I were able to have a really good partnership and set a good score up through the middle session,” Holland said.
“So from our point of view we were really happy with how the day panned out and to get 373 is a really good total.
“David batted really nicely at the start and we didn’t want to lose back-to-back wickets, so he was really good in that regard and we were able to get a partnership going. It was important we extended that into a big one, which we were able to do, so it was really pleasing.”
Geelong will now look to skipper Eamonn Vines to guide the way this week when the monumental chase begins, but the key will be building partnerships and not allowing Ringwood to find regular breakthroughs.
Holland said while Vines was an important wicket, the Rams are aware there is more to the Cats than one player.
“They have got a really good top order and have obviously got some really good players,” he said.
“So we are going to have to bowl really well up top with the new ball. That is going to be the key for us next week.
“It is going to be a good challenge because they are a team that has shown they can chase down big scores and the challenge is set for us to bowl well, so it is an exciting week and … if we bowl well we will get 10 chances.”