City gets burned by Heat
HIGHTON has handed Geelong City an opening-round reality check, causing a 19-run boilover at McDonald Reserve on Saturday.
Tipped to go through the season undefeated, City was bowled out for 170 in 47 overs by the Heat, who successfully defended their total of 8-189.
Despite being the first game of 2019-20, Saturday’s result could be season-defining for Highton, given how compact the ladder is expected to be come season’s end.
“We are absolutely stoked with it (the win),” Highton cocoach Hayden Murrell said.
“They are probably the best side in the competition, so to knock them off in Round 1 is awesome. We’ve had a really good pre-season and we spoke about the first 2-4 games being crucial. If you can get those wins, it can set your season up and it’s massive.”
After winning the toss and batting, Highton lost Alex Watson early at 1-14.
But some patient batting from opener Brandon Ross (38) and James Gillard (27) gave the Heat a foothold in the game as they navigated their way through the 50 overs.
Alistair Ross (31) and Jack Elliot (29) were key cogs in the middle of the innings, helping guide Highton to 8-189.
Recruit Nathan McCoach struck early with the new ball for Highton, claiming the prized scalp of Richie Oliver (2) at 1-6. City was suddenly on the back foot and fell to 2-18 when Brandon Ross snared Cody Brogden (4).
Pat Richards (50) and Luke Inglis (39) helped steady the ship for the premiership favourites before Murrell bowled Richards to give his team back the momentum at 3-89.
Brandon Ross (2-36) and some economical bowling from Alistair Ross (2-17) slowed City’s scoring and helped get their side across the line.
“It was a pretty tough wicket to bat on, but we just stuck through and batted our 50 overs,” Murrell said.
“Al Ross and Jack Elliot batted really well together in the middle (of the innings) and really set it up for us.
“Then we knew if we could get a couple of their big guns out we’d be a chance. It was good to see Nathan McCoach get him (Oliver) with the new ball, so that was a good way to get his season started for us.
“Pat Richards got 50 and was looking really dangerous, so to get him out when we did was handy.”