NMCA 2018-19: Joseph Russo grabs six wickets in Rosebank’s win over Holy Trinity
Rosebank will confront Rivergum in the Jika Shield decider for the seventh consecutive season after a dominant preliminary final performance led by Joel Thompson and Joseph Russo.
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Rosebank will confront Rivergum in the Jika Shield decider for the seventh consecutive season this weekend after a dominant preliminary final performance.
The Eagles took just one day to demolish Holy Trinity in the cut-throat North Metro Cricket Association final and set up another meeting with their arch rivals.
Off-spinner Joseph Russo snared 6-30, his best figures in the top grade, as the visitors were dismissed for just 90 at LE Cotchin Reserve.
Russo was ably supported by Steven Favrin (2-12), Dushan Wickramarathna (1-25) and Rocky Sharma (1-20).
With 36 overs to negotiate opener Joel Thompson (114) blasted his best score for the club as Rosebank raced to 3-152 by the close.
Thompson said it was a tremendous effort to secure victory on Saturday and earn an extra day’s rest.
“It was a bit like last week (against Rivergum in the qualifying final),” he said.
“We were tight early on and we took advantage of it.
“We got on top early and built from that.”
Thompson, who has scored 271 runs at 45.2 since returning from a mid-season spell in the seconds, said he batted with an aggressive intent, aiming to “put a nail in the coffin nice and early”.
Losing Sharma early, Thompson dominated the 144-run second-wicket partnership with Bruno Piraina (20 not out) to settle the contest.
Looking to capture their third premiership in seven seasons, Rivergum stands between the Eagles and premiership glory.
The Kookas scored a convincing 98-run major semi-final victory to earn a direct passage through to the decider.
“We can take a lot from that game,” Thompson said.
“Their hard running late in the innings is something we can transport to use and use that to our advantage.
“We will be really pushing those 80 overs.
“We were good against them for 65 overs last time — the last 15 overs really killed the game — so staying strong for the full 80 overs will be our focus.”