By Tara Murray
Rosebank came out on top against Rivergum in their grand final rematch in the opening round of the North Metro Cricket Association’s Jika Shield.
In a good way to start the season, the competition’s best two teams in recent history got to kick things off.
Neither side had the best day with the bat, but it was Rosebank that came out on top.
Rosebank made 167 and was bowled out with one ball remaining in its 40 overs.
The Kookas, however, then struggled with the bat, with only three players reaching double figures.
They finished 8-125.
Kookas captain-coach Gary Bell said he wasn’t necessarily surprised with the result.
“We probably weren’t expecting the greatest start,” he said.
“We had a poor pre-season. That’s our normal standard with a lot of players playing footy finals.
“Unfortunately that’s just the way it is.
“If we’re going to lose a game early on, we’d rather lose to them.
“It’s just a blip on the radar.”
Bell said he was happy with how the side bowled and fielded and thought they did a great job restricting Rosebank’s total.
Jarrod Bannister took four wickets, but went at more than a run a ball.
Bell said they didn’t perform with the bat though. Veteran Alex Jesensek (27) was the only batsman of the top six to reach double figures.
Kyl Ewart (20) and Scott Morley (37 not out) added some respectability late.
Despite the poor start, Bell said they again expected to be in the mix come the pointy end of the season.
The Kookas have won four of the past five premierships and have played in the past six grand finals, all against Rosebank.
Bell said they had kept the core group of players together.
That had been the key for the Kookas over their successful period.
“Everyone is there again,” Bell said.
“Paul Unkles has come back and he kept. He was good behind the stumps.
“He batted down the order, but will play up the order in the two-dayers.
“Cory Altis bowled extremely quick yesterday. He missed a lot of cricket last season.”
Bell said the motivation in the group was still high and they weren’t keen on giving up their title as the competition’s benchmark.
“We don’t get bored being the hunted team,” he said. “People get excited to beat us, but we hate losing. It was an ordinary feeling after Saturday. It’s a good feeling being the hunted.”
In other results, Holy Trinity defeated Bundoora Park, Keon Park easily accounted for Preston Baseballers and Preston YCW District got home against Heidelberg West.
Meanwhile, Lalor Warriors got off to a good start in the Kemp Shield. The Warriors dropped from the top grade down to D-grade due to the loss of a number of players.
On Saturday, the Warriors defeated Sagarmatha. The Warriors made 9-191 before bowling Sagarmatha out for 152.
Rajat Sharma top scored for the Warriors with 63, while Sami Choudhary took four wickets in the win.
