Cricket exports | McDonald helps lift Cats to crucial victory

By Zac Standish

Feb 16, 2022

Eye-catching display: Karramomus product Josh McDonald crafted a crucial knock for Geelong at the weekend. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Geelong captain and Karramomus product Josh McDonald helped lift his side back into the top eight of the Victorian Premier Cricket men’s firsts ladder, reeling off a crucial 32 as the Cats triumphed over fifth-placed Northcote.

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Looking to continue its momentum from a win over Melbourne University the previous week, Geelong was determined to make an early statement with the bat after being sent in on its home deck.

Opener Liam Blackford (68) and number three Thomas Jackson (62) went about building a strong foundation, putting on a 120-run stand to build the Cats a perfect platform.

Coming to the crease with his side in a strong position, McDonald was then able to play with freedom, partnering the middle order to help see his side past the 200 mark.

Central Park-St Brendan’s product Josh Larkin came to the crease in the dying overs in search of quick runs, knocking a quick-fire nine off 11 balls before being caught.

With an imposing 227 on the board, Geelong started brightly with the ball, taking pivotal early wickets to have Northcote in a spot of bother at 4-82.

Captain Blayde Baker tried his best to inspire a fight back for the visitors, striking a nice 30, before Larkin came into the attack and made the key breakthrough before registering impressive figures of 1-21 from his six overs.

Greenvale Kangaroos returned to the winners’ list, accounting for cellar-dweller Camberwell by 61 runs at Greenvale Reserve.

Batting first, Thomas Cullen was the star for the Kangaroos, putting together a masterful unbeaten 109 to see them to a daunting first innings total of 274.

Former Tatura captain Michael Archer then stood up with ball in hand, taking 3-42 from his 10 overs to help restrict the Magpies to 215 in the chase.

Former Cricket Shepparton junior James Billington was once again a standout for Prahran, which fell by 20 runs in a thriller against Carlton at Toorak Park.

Tasked with 215 for victory, the Old Students and Karramomus product showed his positive intent at the top of the order, getting his side off to a solid start with a nicely constructed 39 off 63 balls.

But a middle order collapse would spell Prahran’s undoing, with a quick clump of wickets having it bowled out for 194.

Lastly, Central Park-St Brendan’s product Gemma Boyd continued her bright season for Carlton in women’s premier seconds action.

The Blues were far too good for Box Hill, running away 10-wicket winners, with Boyd’s 2-8 from three overs a key part to her side’s ability to restrict the Mustangs to 5-60 from their 20 overs.