By Tara Murray
Rivergum is hoping to get its season back on track in the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield.
The Kookas find themselves in the unusual position of sitting 0-2 after a disappointing first couple of rounds.
They were much happier with their performance on day one against Keon Park. While many games across the city were interrupted or washed out, the Kookas batted their 80 overs to finish on 5-239 at the weekend.
Kookas captain-coach Gary Bell said the target wasn’t far off what they had hoped for before the innings started.
“We thought the rain would come early and we should be right for the rest of the day,” he said. “It wasn’t easy to bowl when the ball got wet and we didn’t get our value for shots.
“If we could have got 250 we thought it would have been a pretty good score in those conditions, so maybe we were 10 runs short.
“It was better than being bowled out for 180.”
James Bonnici top scored with 88, while Bell scored 63. The two put on nearly 100 runs for the second partnership at nearly a run a ball.
“At that stage, before I went out, it looked like we might have got 270, but we faltered a little,” Bell said.
“It was pleasing to watch James.”
The Kookas innings wasn’t without drama, with veteran Alex Jesensek having to retire hurt on 10 not out.
Bell said they hoped Jesensek would be right for day two of the match.
“He was nearly run out early on and hurt his back. He tried to bat on and batted for another 30 overs,” Bell said.
“We think he’ll be OK. He’ll get some treatment during the week.”
Bell said they were confident of getting the job done this week.
It will be double the action for the Kookas, with the Northern Region T20 competition getting under way on Tuesday night.
The Kookas face Mernda, and Bell said they’re looking forward to it.
“Training can be a bit lacklustre, so this puts a spring in your step,” he said.
“We can get some practice for Saturday and having the pressure and bowling in the right spots.”
The NMCA seemed to avoid the worst of the weekend rain, with most matches getting some play.
In other Jika Shield matches, Bundoora Park is 1-12 in reply to Heidelberg West’s 220. Preston Baseballers made 8-209 from its overs against Rosebank, while Holy Trinity is in trouble at 7-101 against Preston YWC District.
In the Quick Shield, the Cobras are 3-41 in reply to Dennis’ 130, while Fairfield is 4-45 chasing Donath’s 148. Cameron is 0-15 in replay to West Ivanhoe United’s 140.
