Tara Murray
Rivergum will have to do it the hard way if it’s to qualify for a 12th straight North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield grand final.
The minor premiers on percentage above Holy Trinity, the Kookas faced Holy Trinity on Saturday for a spot in the grand final.
It was Holy Trinity that came away with the win and became the first team through to the grand final.
Holy Trinity won the toss and elected to bat and made 8-166 from its overs. Skipper Marcello Manteit top scored with 36 after coming in at number seven.
Jarrod Bannister was the pick of the bowlers for the Kookas, taking three wickets.
The Kookas started the run chase well and put on an opening partnership of 68. At 4-138 they were still on top.
As the Kookas were closing in on victory, the wickets started to fall. Three wickets within 12 runs of victory did the damage, with the Kookas falling five runs short.
The Kookas finished 7-161.
Matthew Perri top scored with 42 at the top of the order.
The Kookas now face Preston Baseballers in the preliminary final this Saturday. The Baseballers beat Northern Socials in the other semi final.
The Baseballers made 6-203 with all eight batters who got a bat getting a start.
Late wickets proved costly for the Socials who were bowled out for 161.
