By Tara Murray
Reigning premier Rivergum is headed for another North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield finals series.
After a slow start, the Kookas have won their past six games to sit 10 points clear on top of the ladder.
They need just three points from their final three matches to seal a top four spot.
But the Kookas won’t be taking it easy, as they look to secure a top two spot and second chance.
Kookas captain-coach Gary Bell said while their bowling had been really strong this season, their batting had been just OK.
He said some players hadn’t had the time at the crease they would have liked.
“We’ve been relying on Matt Perri to make the runs,” he said.
“There’s nothing dramatic about it and it hasn’t been poor, but we can do a bit better.
“A lot of the time has been the circumstances, with a lot of one-day games, or there’s been situations in the game when we’ve needed to lift the run rate.”
Bell was happy with what he saw on Saturday on day one of the Kookas’ clash with Preston YCW District.
The Kooks made 7-298 to put themselves in a strong position.
Matt Kiely was the star with 104 not out.
What pleased Bell the most was the spread of scorers. Perri, who leads the competition’s batting, scored just eight.
“I put it on the boys to take the opportunity to make runs,” Bell said.
“There was a little bit of an opportunity to score off the short balls.
“We were 45 off 10 overs and it was a good start and we cashed in.
“The top four laid the foundations and the middle and lower order could be aggressive.
“To post a score of nearly 300 is a really good score.”
Matt Kiely was the standout, making 104 not out.
Alex Jesensek made 62 while Scott Morely made 30, as did James Bonnici, who has returned to the side in the past two weeks.
With the runs on the board, Bell said they were confident their bowlers could get the job done, but weren’t counting their chickens.
“They are very aggressive and you’re never safe,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the bowlers go.”
A win would ensure the Kookas will play finals.
Bell said they were going to continue to focus on what they were doing and let everything else take care of itself.
“To get top two and the double chance and the home final would be good.”
In other matches, Preston Baseballers made 9-272 against Bundoora Park.
