sport Finals crunch time is nearing GEELONG Cricket Club had a perfect start to the New Year last Saturday, claiming a dominant win over Fitzroy Doncaster. The Cats batted first and the top order did a wonderful job of setting up the innings. Matthew Harrison made a classy 89 from just 108 deliveries, well supported by Hayden Butterworth (46) and skipper Liam Buchanan (25), finishing its 50 overs on 224. To be any chance the bowlers needed to get off to a good start and Marc Carson stood up, claiming the first four wickets to reduce the visitors to 4/66. From there Justin McPhee took up the reins taking three wickets of his own in an economical spell. Fitzroy Doncaster was dismissed for 160, sending Geelong to fifth place on the table following a run of four victories. The Cats will relish the opportunity to take on the formidable second placed Melbourne tomorrow. In division one, Lara faces the ultimate test taking on top placed Grovedale at Burdoo Reserve. When the Cats lost Chris Bambury over the winter, many thought their chances of remaining in the top six may have gone with him. But premiership hero Nathan Yates returned to the club as skip-
Local Cricket JIM TIMBERLAKE per and has led his side magnificently, culminating in a five wicket haul in the last game. With class performers such as Andrew and Danny Hughes in the side, complemented by exciting youngster Matthew Richmond, there is no reason Lara can’t compete with the top sides. Leopold v ST JOSEPHS, GEELONG WEST v Manifold Heights, GROVEDALE v Lara, EAST BELMONT v Newtown & Chilwell, SOUTH BARWON v Bell Post Hill, NORTH GEELONG v Highton. In what could be a seasondefining round in division two, there may be just seven teams left in the premiership race next Saturday night. Marshall, St Peters and Torquay sit together at the foot of the ladder with just two wins and a draw each. In a twist of the draw, they
take on the top three sides in Geelong City, Murgheboluc and St Albans Breakwater. Every one of the remaining results could have huge ramifications on the end of season ladder and will be eagerly awaited. MURGHEBOLUC v St Peters, ST ALBANS BREAKWATER v Torquay, GUILD ST MARYS v Bell Park, GEELONG CITY v Marshall, Newcomb & District v THOMSON, WAURN PONDS v Alexander Thomson. Meredith takes on Corio in what appears to be the most crucial clash in division three. While Meredith have a host of star players in their line up, it has struggled to have an impact in the past two seasons and a loss would virtually end its hopes of premiership glory. The club sits in eighth place with just three wins to its name, only one more than fellow struggler Corio. While Meredith should have enough talent to win, it will need to be at its best to do so. Bannockburn v TEESDALE, WINCHELSEA v Inverleigh, Shelford v LETHBRIDGE, North Shore v LITTLE RIVER, Corio Bay v MODEWARRE, MEREDITH v Corio.
Angler Eli boats a bay snapper On the bite BRIAN LONG THE PRESSURE was on when I was asked to take renowned American angler Eli Daley out on the bay this week. Only a few hours were allocated on his whirlwind Aussie tour to catch a snapper on soft plastics. Despite the atrocious conditions we hit the water before daylight and it didn’t take long before Eli boated the first fish, a reasonable specimen at 35cms. A few lost fish later all went quiet and things were not looking good, especially with the weather still turning. But with the skill and passion he is known for, Eli soon had line screaming from his reel and boated a snapper that will be the envy of all his mates back home in Utah. The trying conditions kept many anglers at home but those prepared to brave the elements were rewarded with some outstanding captures. Terry Moore also found snapper in Corio Bay as plastics accounted for plenty of fish up to 50cms in length. The land-based snapper angler could try to work the Geelong waterfront between Cunningham Pier and the Royal Geelong
Bay Pinky: American angler Eli Daley with his snapper. Yacht Club. Expect to land a few flathead and salmon from the same location. Seeking some protection from the winds close to Bird Rock was Paul Jamison, producing a fantastic bag of whiting and garfish, all taken late in the afternoon on pippies and mussel. Squid continue to be found right along the peninsula, generally best in just 2.5 metres of water on small jigs. Flathead numbers are good in 10 to 12 metre depth, drifting with either bait or soft plastics. Joel Harding tried something a little different; trolling deep diving Sebile minnow lures off Clifton Springs he landed 16 flathead – one topping 2kg – and two similarly sized snapper. Gummy shark of all sizes have been reported of late. There were a couple of stand-out captures, with 13-year-old Mitchell Walker boating a ripper of over 15kg while aboard Queenscliff
Fishing Charters. Salmon are holding in big numbers in and around the Rip area. Boaties are finding trolled white ocky lures best but from shore, casting small metal baitfish profile lures from either the Queenscliff pier or just below Cottage by the Sea of an evening should give you some fun. The Barwon River produced plenty of small to medium size redfin, either on lure or live minnow. Deep Lake saw Henry Johnson catch his bag limit of trout this week, casting atomic shads along the shore margins his best fish a rainbow of 1.5kg. Weather permitting, this weekend Queenscliff will be the place late in the afternoon as the salmon should be readily available. Send reports and photos to info@raylongtackle.com.au or visit Brian at Ray Long’s Fishing World, 105 Shannon Ave Manifold Heights.
Turbo
V200 Diesel 4x2 Ute
1017512-KC50-11
(Curlewis) ProAm
• Curlewis Golf Club - Monday 23rd January, 2012 • Play with PGA Golf Professionals • 18 Hole Stableford Competition (Men’s & Ladies) • Longest Drive Competition & Nearest to Pins • Over $2,000 worth of prizes for Amateurs • Entry Fee;- $66 (GST Inclusive) Includes round with a Pro and BBQ meal 1345 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Administration: (03) 5251 2534 Golf Bookings: (03) 5251 1111 Email: managercurlewis@optusnet.com.au Website: www.curlewisgolf.com.au
• Entries Close at 5.00pm on Wednesday 18th January, 2012 • Contact - Ph (03) 5251 2534 Website: www.curlewisgolf.com.au
2012 Curlewis Sportsman /Auction Night Where: Curlewis Golf Club When: Sunday 22nd January 2012 Time: 7:00pm Cost: $50 (inc GST) per person (Includes Finger Food and 2 Guest Speakers)
Guest Speakers: Danny Frawley (St Kilda AFL Player - 240 Games, 13 Goals, St Kilda Hall of Fame)
Rodney Hogg (Australian Cricketer - 38 Test Matches, 123 Wickets, 71 ODI’s, 85 Wickets)
Auction Items: • Ping Cart Bag Signed by Golf Professionals at Australian Masters • St Kilda AFL Jumper signed by Danny Frawley • Australian Cricket Shirt signed by Rodney Hogg • Rounds of Golf for 4 people at Famous Sandbelt Courses • Various Sports Memorabilla Photos • And Much More The Independent, Friday January 13, 2012
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2012
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