Tara Murray
Rivergum was one of the rare winners in the opening round of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.
As rain fell on Saturday afternoon most matches across the competition were called off, as grounds were left unplayable.
Across the top three grades, just three matches were completed including the Kookas against Hurstbridge.
Kookas coach Corey Altis said it was nice to get a win on the board.
“We stayed out there long enough to play the full 80 overs,” he said. “To get our first win in a new competition was good.
“There’s unknown new teams, new players and we didn’t know what to expect. We stuck to what we do as a club and as a team and got a good win, four wickets down.”
The Kookas first challenge in the Mash Shield, was against last season’s grand finalists, Hurstbridge.
Altis said it was a good test for them first up to see where they stack up.
Hurstbridge was restricted to 152 as it was bowled out in the second last over.
Jarrod Bannister and Matt Bannister took three wickets each for the Kookas.
The Kookas needed just 32.4 overs to get the job done, finishing 4-153.
“We had some good little cameos,” Altis said. “Jarrod Bannister and Matt Perri had a good little partnership.
“Jack Morley batted at three and looked good and will improve on that. Matt Kiely in the middle order nudged the ball around.”
Altis said they were keen to give some of the young guys an opportunity which would likely mean Morley bats up the order more regularly.
He said with another pre-season under their belts they should be better for it.
Altis said they had a longer pre-season than what they normally would in preparation for the season.
“We had some good numbers the last few sessions,” he said. “We’re traditionally slow starters and we want to shake that tag off a bit and get off to a better start.”
The Kookas will face Dennis in round two in a two-dayer starting Saturday.
Dennis also made the move across from the North Metro Cricket Association in the off season.
Mill Park claimed the points in the other Mash Shield to be completed, beating Thomastown.
The Tigers made 7-197 from their overs with Anthony Barker top scoring with 61.
Saahil Bhatnagar took 3-41 for Thomastown.
After losing an early wicket, Thomastown settled and it was looking good at 2-100.
The wickets then started to fall and it was all out for 155.
Jake MacDonald took 5-37 for the Tigers.
