Tara Murray
Rivergum will have to do it the hard way if it’s to make the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield grand final.
The Kookas finished the season on top of the ladder, percentage ahead of Holy Trinity, giving them hosting rights in the first week of finals.
The Kookas won the toss and decided to bat in hot conditions.
It was slow going early on for the Kookas, but they had plenty of wickets in hand at 2-101.
The Kookas then lost two quick wickets and Jarrod Bannister was back in the shed not long afterwards.
While trying to increase the run rate, the wickets continue to fall.
The Kookas finished their innings at 9-192.
Sean Neary and Gary Bell both scored 42 runs each for the Kookas, with very contrasting strike rates.
Holy Trinity was able to form partnerships throughout most of the early part of the innings, before slipping to 6-117.
Holy Trinity’s lower order led by Jack Philpott dug in deep and turned the match back in the favour of their side.
Holy Trinity hit the winning runs with nearly six overs remaining, finishing 7-194.
Philpott finished unbeaten on 50, while Matthew O’Brien made 58.
Daniel Young took three wickets for the Kookas, while Corey Altis and Matthew Perri took two each.
While Holy Trinity is straight through to the grand final, Rivergum will face Camrea in the preliminary final.
Camrea beat Keon Park in the other semi final.
