It has been a while coming but finals are finally here for Rivergum in the North Metro Cricket Association’s Jika Shield.
With only one loss for the season, a top‐two finish and double chance have long been assured for the two‐time reigning premier.
Rivergum captain‐coach Gary Bell said his side had been waiting for the finals.
“Once you know you can finish in the top two you can get a bit complacent waiting for finals,” he said.
“Winning has been good but it hasn’t been a necessity.”
After suffering its first loss in the previous round, the Kookaburras wanted make get back onto the winners list against another finals‐bound team, Lalor Warriors, at Kelynack Reserve.
In tough batting conditions, Rivergum made 168 on day one of the match.
Early in their reply, at 1‐37, the Warriors appeared on track to reach their target.
But then the Kookaburras’ bowlers took over and the Warriors crashed to 9‐59 before a last‐wicket stand of 92 carried them to 151.
“There was a good crowd and a bit of a finals atmosphere,” Bell said.
“They went from 1‐37 to 6‐46, so they lost 5‐9 and our bowling and fielding was really good at that stage.”
But the Warriors, also chasing a top‐two finish, didn’t give up without a fight and the 10th wicket pair of Themi Tilkeridis (57) and Bradley Winther (39 not out) put them in sight of victory.
“Everyone relaxed thinking it was going to happen,” Bell said.
“Lalor dug in and probably should have won. We dropped three or four catches in that last partnership.
“They kept fighting back and we won by only 17 runs. They had a lot of time left to bat, so could have easily made the runs.”
Daniel Young took three wickets for Rivergum.
The Kookaburras now turn their attention to their semi‐final with Northcote United. The winner goes through to the grand final, the loser gets a second chance.
“They’re in form and have Joel Thompson who will win the competition medal,” Bell said.
“He is close to the top of the batting averages and made 154 [last weekend]. He also took four or five wickets.
“Brad Wright is in the top two of the batting and getting him and Thompson out is definitely an important part of the game.
“But we’ll focus on what we are doing and not so much on the opposition.”
Despite two straight premierships, there’s still a lot for Rivergum to achieve this season.
“A couple of our guys were not in the last couple of premierships teams,” Bell said.
Matt Kiely was a junior at the club who played Thirds and Fourths at Melbourne University.
“He has come back to the club and fitted in well as a top‐order bat,” Bell said.
“Luke Borg has been playing mostly Seconds the last couple of years. He’s really enjoying playing Ones and is looking forward to being on the ground this year.
“He was 12th man last year.”
The Warriors play North Brunswick/Rosebank in the other final.
