Tara Murray
Rivergum is itching to get out and play some two-day cricket in the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield.
The Kookas, who are sitting in a familiar place at the top of the table, are yet to play a two-day match this season and haven’t played two-day cricket since before COVID-19.
Rain and a forfeit are among reasons for two-day matches not being played so far this season with the Kookas playing just two games in two months.
It was a welcome return to the pitch on Saturday, according to coach Matt Perri.
“We just can’t get to the park,” he said. “We’ve only had two games in two months with the way things went.
“We had a walk over and rain. We’re looking forward to playing some two-day cricket, we haven’t played that year.
“It’s been a funny thing.”
While not ideal with so many interruptions, Perri knows having an experienced team holds them in good stead to handle all the disruptions.
He said it was one thing that would also help them come two-day matches.
“We have a really good mix of young and old,” he said. “We are a proven two-day side and looking around the competition, they have young sides that haven’t played much two-day cricket.
“It’s what we do what we did best.”
On Saturday, the Kookas easily accounted for Keon Park.
The Kookas batted first and made 5-219 from their overs.
Sean Neary made 63, while Jarrod Bannister and Perri both made 55.
Perri said both Neary and Bannister had good days with the bat.
Then with the ball, the Kookas bowled Keon Park out for 119 in the 32nd over.
Corey Altis took three wickets, while Bannister and Jack Bell took two each.
Perri said Bell, the youngest player in the side was really impressing.
“He has been the pick of the bowlers the last few matches,” he said.
“We sat down with his dad [Gary] and wanted to get them both back to the club.
“The kid is going to be a gun and is a lot quicker than us in the field. Once he got his first wicket he has not looked back.’
Perri said while Gary Bell, a premiership winning captain-coach at the club, hadn’t had a lot of opportunity so far, he would prove vital in the lower order when they return to two-day cricket.
With all things going to plan, the Kookas will play a two-day match against Holy Trinity starting on Saturday.
It’s a battle between one and two.
“It’s pretty exciting around the group.”
While the Kookas have struggled to get out and play two-day cricket, the side is through to the finals of the Northern Region T20 competition.
Perri said they had made a real focus of that competition this season and he thinks they will go alright.
The Kookas face Lower Plenty next Tuesday in the quarter finals.
