NMCA 2018-19: Corey Altis tipped for key bowling role by Rivergum
WILL this quick be the key to Rivergum’s push for a fifth North Metro Cricket Association flag in the past six years?
North
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PACEMAN Corey Altis has been tipped to play a key role in Rivergum’s premiership defence after injury limited his impact last summer.
Altis was restricted to eight Jika Shield matches in 2017-18 and only delivered 52.1 overs in the North Metro Cricket Association.
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The fast bowler joined Rivergum last season after two seasons with Premier Cricket club Northcote which yielded 30 Second XI wickets.
He also collected 45 wickets in Quick Shield in 2014-15, helping Northcote United claim the NMCA second tier flag.
“Last year he got injured and didn’t get a good run at it,” coach Gary Bell said.
“He’s been training really well the sessions we have had and been bowling very fast.”
Bell said Rivergum’s side would be “pretty much identical” to the team which toppled fierce rival Rosebank in last season’s grand final.
Veteran batsman Alex Jesensek will be the prized wicket for opposition clubs after being the NMCA’s leading run scorer last summer.
Paul Unkles’ return will boost the club’s depth, while Paul O’Flynn is in line to earn more First XI opportunities.
Bell said the Kookas’ “mateship” remained their greatest strength as they target their fifth flag in six years.
“I thought last year in the finals we really showed that,” he said.
“We love playing cricket together and we have been on the same page for so long.”
Rivergum expects Rosebank to be a leading contender again and has predicted promoted Bundoora Park will present a “good challenge”.
“I love a challenge, especially when you are in the field and you are playing against new players,” Bell said.
“Preston Baseballers will be a good challenge. They have got a couple of boys back from district level. I think they will be around the mark.
“I look forward to playing against Bundoora Park. I know quite a few guys down there and I think they will be a good challenge.
“They have been around the mark in B Grade for quite a few years. Now they are up there, they will definitely compete well.
“Rosebank has got quite a few recruits, so they will be strong. I’m really looking for to it, seeing how it all goes.”
The Kookas host Rosebank in a grand final rematch on Saturday, while Heidelberg West takes on Preston YCW District, Preston Baseballers are at home against Keon Park and Bundoora Park meets Holy Trinity in other Round 1 fixtures.
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