By Tara Murray
Rivergum’s remarkable run in the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield is continuing, with the Kookas a shot at a fifth premiership in six years.
Since winning their way through to the top division for 2010-11, the Kookas have finished in the top two every season, including claiming the minor premiership this season.
Just once in that time have they missed the grand final.
Yet the Kookas are just as hungry as ever, none more so than captain-coach Gary Bell.
“You get a bit hungry,” Bell said. “You get that appetite for the win and the pride of winning.
“The appetite is still there and hopefully we’ll have a few good weeks to come.”
The Kookas will enter the finals as the form team of the competition, having not lost since round three.
Not happy with their form at that point of the season, the Kookas have stepped it up, which was shown in full force in their final round win against Holy Trinity.
The Kookas made 6-296 on day one before bowling Holy Trinity out for 137.
Bell said it was impressive win in tough conditions.
“We were pretty good at being up and about for the majority of the time on the field,” he said. “It’s hard thing to do when you know there’s nothing to play for [having already claimed top spot] and in weather like that.
“The guys are always motivated at this time of year. It’s what you play for.”
Scott Morley was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.
Bell said it was pleasing that everyone was getting into form at the right time of the season.
“Matt Kiely made a century not that long ago and Alex Jesensek is finding form,” he said.
“[Scott] Morley is getting wickets and runs and Matt Perri has been in really good form all season.
“Kyl Hewart made 89 off 42 balls on day one, which was pleasing to watch. Jarrod Bannister to taking wickets as a spinner and is the No.1 spinner in the competition, while Corey Altis is starting to find form and bowling well.”
The Kookas will face Rosebank in the semi-finals for a shot at a grand final spot.
The two sides know each other well, having played each other in every grand final since 2012-13.
Bell said his side would be ready.
“Not much has changed,” he said.
“They have a little bit of a different side, but there’s faces that we know.
“We know what to expect and they know what to expect. It’ll come down to who plays better on the day.”
