Bell Park expected to be team to beat in GCA3 after smashing start to the season

Clubs around the GCA3 have predicted Bell Park to be the runaway favourite for the competition this season, but one coach has outlined a way they might be vulnerable.

Shane Lymer is in dominant form as Bell Park dominates GCA3. Picture: Mark Wilson

Bell Park has been widely branded as the “team to beat” in the GCA3 this season after an impressive start, but chasing clubs are still determined to put up a fight against the Dragons.

The Dragons enter the second half of the season undefeated with five convincing wins after moving down into the division from GCA2 last season.

Modewarre captain Brendan Wemyss said the rest of the league was chasing Bell Park, but anything could happen in a one-off finals contest.

Modewarre bowler Brendan Wemyss lets one go. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“Bell Park probably look like a bit of the benchmark at the moment with some really good recruiting and a really good list before that,” he said.

“They’re the team to beat in my opinion, but that’s not going to stop us from going out there each week and try to get the six points and hold ourselves in good stead for a finals berth.

“Then hopefully that reflects well in the finals come March, and who knows once you get there.”

Bell Park litters the individual leaderboards for the competition, with gun bat Shane Lymer leading the league with 377 runs at an average of 94.25, while Jarrod Andrews sits in fourth spot with 187 runs at 93.5 and Michael Lymer holds sixth place with 158 runs.

New recruit Ben Grinter holds 13th overall in the league with 108 runs with an average of 54, while Hayden Jamieson and Jake Brown share the lead for wickets with 11 each.

Shane Lymer (left) and Jarrod Andrews shared a huge partnership earlier this season. Picture: Mark Wilson

Bannockburn coach Colin Orr said he was hopeful his side could sneak into finals with a young side, but conceded Bell Park was leading the charge as well.

“I think it’s Bell Park and then daylight, if I’m being honest with you,” he said.

“The rest are all pretty similar in terms of the level of cricket.

“If you can get the Lymer boys out early then you have a chance, but they’ve got great batting depth and no one’s really managed to do that too much yet.

“The rest is pretty hit and miss.

“I think if we can make it we can definitely have an impact, we’ve got a relatively young side at the moment but they’re so upbeat and bubbly and they love their cricket.

“The older heads have developed their quirks and superstitions while these young kids coming through haven’t just yet, so it’d be good so give them a real run at finals and see how they go.”

Originally published as Bell Park expected to be team to beat in GCA3 after smashing start to the season