Rivergum’s unbeaten start to the North Metro Cricket Association’s Jika Shield season came to an end on Sunday.
Playing two one-day matches across the weekend, the Kookas split the matches, slipping to third on the ladder.
On Saturday, they continued their good start to the season with a strong win against Lalor Warriors.
In a match-up of teams sitting at opposite ends of the table, it was the undefeated Kookas who got the points against their neighbours on Saturday.
The Kookas made good on the decision to bat first, with four of the top five batsmen reaching 25. They lost wickets late, but pushed on to make 8-209 from their 40 overs.
Alex Jesensek top-scored with 54, while Matthew Perri made 49.
The Warriors looked in a good position to attack at 4-104, but their batsmen struggled from there.
They lost their last six wickets for 54 to be all out for 158.
Todd Hughes was the pick of the batsmen for the Warriors, making a second straight 50 and finishing with
54.
The Kookas shared the wickets around, with four players picking up two each.
Neither side had long to dwell on the result when they backed up for one-dayers on Sunday.
The Kookas faced North Brunswick/Rosebank in a rematch of last season’s grand final.
The result was the same, with the Kookas on the wrong end of it.
The Kookas’ 5-166 was chased down by North Brunswick/Rosebank for the loss of two wickets.
The Warriors played Holy Trinity, which was searching for its first win of the season.
Batting first, the Warriors made 7-207.
Lakmal Keerthirathne top-scored with 72 with Hughes continuing his good form by making 60 not out.
The Warriors were able to get frequent wickets, but Holy Trinity kept pace with the required run rate.
Holy Trinity made the runs in the final over of the day with one wicket in
hand.
