By Tara Murray
Rivergum stormed into its first Diamond Valley Cricket Association Mash Shield grand final with a commanding semi final win.
The Kookas, who are in their first season in the competition, have been the team to beat and have continued their strong record of being in the mix at the pointy end of the season.
Kookas coach Corey Altis said winning the semi final was a bit of a monkey off the back.
“We didn’t make the grand final last year and went out in straight sets,” he said. “It was definitely nice to bounce back and win yesterday [Sunday] and progress through to the grand final.”
Altis said there had been a lot of unknown heading into the season, but as they started to play all the teams they got a feel of how everyone plays.
He said the aim in a new competition was to make the finals and progressing through to the grand final was a bonus.
On the weekend, the Kookas accounted for Hurstbridge in its semi final.
Altis said it was trying conditions in the heat, but they were able to put out a strong performance.
“We were exceptionally pleased being able to restrict it to 150-160 and give our batters the chance to chase it down.
“They looked like they were threatening, 180, 180-plus so it was a good result for us.”
Hurstbridge was bowled out for 153.
Jarrod Bannister took three wickets, while Altis and Perri took two wickets each.
The Kookas had to face a handful of overs late on day one, but were able to get through unscathed.
They had little trouble getting the runs on day two, finishing 1-154.
Paul Unkles finished 83 not out and Sean Neary 37 not out.
The Kookas will face Mernda in the grand final, after the Demons beat Laurimar in the other semi final.
Both of the Kookas losses this season came to the Demons either side of Christmas.
Altis said finals are 50-50 and are aware of what they need to do to claim the title.
He said they were hopeful that their experience would help them in this season.
“Nine of the 11 have won A-grade premierships over the last decade or so,” he said. “We’re stacked with experience and the guys have been in positions before.
“They know how to handle it and we’re really confident. It should be good and we’re really excited to go out there and hopefully bring home the silverware.”
