The constant grind of travel has had a big impact on Geelong Cricket Club, coach says

Geelong Cricket Club’s frustrations with no access to Kardinia Park has been further highlighted after a fourth grade match had to be abandoned because it had no ground to play on.

Geelong took just two wickets against Richmond. Picture: Carey Neate.

Geelong Cricket Club’s cancelled fourth grade match on Sunday due to a lack of available grounds has highlighted a growing frustration within the Cats this Premier season.

The Cats have been unable to play home fixtures at Kardinia Park due to delayed wicket table renewal works.

The City of Greater Geelong hired a contractor to carry out the works in April, but it was later identified the wicket levels appeared higher than the recommended levels for play.

It has meant no games will be played at Kardinia Park until early 2025 with the Cats’ second grade to return against Frankston Peninsula on January 11.

And things came to a head on Sunday with the club’s fourths unable to get on the park against Richmond due to a dearth of available grounds; competing for access with the under-16 Dowling Shield competition.

Geelong were beaten by eight wickets by Richmond. Picture: Carey Neate.

Geelong coach Steve Field, who oversees the club’s women’s program, said far longer Saturdays due to the constant grind of travel to Melbourne has added to Geelong’s woes on the field.

The Cats lost their third game in a row in the first grade on Saturday after starting the season with consecutive wins, and have dropped from the top bracket to ninth on the table.

On Saturday, Geelong again lost a cluster of wickets early, falling to 3-19 on the way to 9-181 off its 50 overs at Central Reserve North — a total which was reeled in with the loss of just two wickets.

The Cats lost 3-33 early against Carlton the previous round, and 5-11 against Camberwell, its first loss for the season.

Geelong’s second grade has also dropped its past four in a row, slipping to 16th place.

Meanwhile, young star Liam Blackford, who was rewarded with a state rookie contract after returning from injury, has made 15 runs from his past five innings.

Senior coach and opener Eamonn Vines returned to form with 64.

Callum Stow bowls to a Richmond batter. Picture: Carey Neate.

Field said the start of the 2024-25 season had been “really, really demanding” for the club, from the players through to coaches and the committee.

“It’s been an extraordinarily tough process for the club, it’s testing everyone’s resilience, very costly obviously in lots of ways, financially and in terms of being able to play at home and keep people engaged as well,” Field said.

“The playing group has been incredible really, male and female, and the committee, just to get through when they should be out there on the ground.

“Every week they’re playing on a new wicket, whereas the opposition teams get used to your own wicket.

“There’s a certain level of comfort which comes with that.”

Geelong took just two wickets against Richmond. Picture: Carey Neate.

On a brighter note, teenage star Ollie Peake and Blackford have been picked to play for the state’s second eleven against Tasmania in Hobart, starting on Monday.

“Both boys deserve it,” he said.

“They’re terrific lads and I know they’ll represent the club well.

“Liam’s probably looking for a few runs, but this is a good opportunity for him to get out there and do that, and it’ll come for him and Ollie’s been super consistent for a long period of time.”

Field said the club had been “extraordinarily lucky” with local clubs like Marshall and South Barwon allowing the Cats’ women to play on their grounds on Sundays.

“But on Saturday it’s very tough because everyone’s playing,” he said.

Originally published as The constant grind of travel has had a big impact on Geelong Cricket Club, coach says