Rivergum is keeping it simple and starting to fine tune ahead of a big finals series in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Mash Shield.
The Kookas are undefeated and have already claimed first innings points against Panton Hill in the current fixture.
But having been in this position before, Kookas coach Corey Altis knows there’s still work to be done if they are to go one better than last season.
He said they know in finals you only have to have a bad hour or session and things can turn pretty quickly.
“One good session can turn things your way,” he said.
“We will be putting our best foot forward to try and be really competitive and win the games that matter and see us through to the last game in March.”
Altis said Saturday’s performance with the ball against Panton Hill was a really strong one.
Panton Hill was bowled out for just 74 in the 51st over.
Daniel Young, Daniel Sedgwick and Jarrod Bannister all took two wickets.
It was a really clinical effort on Rivergum’s behalf on Saturday,” Altis said.
“Losing the toss and having to bowl and the conditions were a little trying as well, quite hot and humid.
“Really clinical bowling display from our bowling unit to bowl Panton Hill out for 74, in under a full day which was really awesome.”
The Kookas then finished the day at 4-92 giving the side an 18 run lead heading into the second day of action.
Altis will resume on 36 not out and Sean Neary is 19 not out.
Altis said they had no real focus on trying to get the points in one day.
“We had the opportunity to bat and tick some of the runs off as well and give a solid little lead there, which we can work on next week,” he said.
“Week two there’s a few things on the top of our minds to work on coming into a finals series not too far away.
“Getting some batting practice in for the rest of the line up that are due to bat and if we do decide that we are bowling again, get some more overs under our bowlers belts and continue that continuity and make sure everyone is ready and primed for the back end of the season.”
As well as being on top in the Mash Shield, the Kookas sit on top of their pool in the Mash summer smash competition.
They were runner-up in that competition last season.
The Kookas are in action on Tuesday night in their final pool match against Mill Park.
Altis said it had given them an opportunity to play some younger guys and some senior players who may not get a first XI opportunity on Saturdays.
“I’ve been pleased with the guys that we’ve rolled out in that format and we’ve done well enough,” he said.
“We play one more game and if we win that we move into finals which we’re excited about. We see it as good practice for us when we’re not training.
“We’ll look to see how far we can get and if it turns out we can get that far again, like to sign off with the trophy in our hands. It’s not the be all end all, the two-day stuff is the main focus.”
