NMCA 2018-19: Rosebank eyeing another shot at Jika Shield glory after six straight grand finals
Rosebank is confident its experience on the big stage will prove decisive as it targets another tilt at North Metro Cricket Association silverware.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Rosebank is confident its experience on the big stage will prove decisive as it targets another tilt at North Metro Cricket Association silverware.
The Eagles have played in the past six Jika Shield grand finals against longtime adversary Rivergum, tasting the ultimate success twice.
GREENSBOROUGH SIGNS FORMER BRISBANE LIONS ON-BALLER
STARCEVICH RETURNS FULL-TIME TO NORTHCOTE PARK
WHO WILL CAPTAIN COBURG IN 2019?
A three-match losing run between rounds 7 and 9 threatened Rosebank’s hopes of another crack at glory, but the club cemented its top-four spot when it returned to the winners’ list with a commanding victory over Preston Baseballers in Round 10.
“Coming into the back end of the season, we know what it takes and what is expected,” opening batsman Joel Thompson said.
“Getting those top-two positions on the ladder, it comes down to being very valuable at the end of the year.
“You always want that second chance, to have that in the back of your mind and know you can go a long way come finals.”
The Eagles boast a formidable batting line-up led by Rocky Sharma (355 runs), Buwaneka Ekanayake (275), Dushan Wickramarathna (256), Luke Joyce (231) and Thompson (200).
Thompson praised the impact of wicketkeeper-batsman Ekanayake, who is in his first season at LE Cotchin Reserve.
“His batting technique … he’s old school,” he said.
“He’s an absolute delight to watch.
“That hundred he made earlier in the year (against Bundoora Park) was an absolutely unbelievable innings and those guys are hard to come across.”
Reigning Bill McFarlane medallist Wickramarathna and Gary Eyre are the club’s leading bowlers with 21 wickets.
With enviable depth in its ranks, Rosebank is bullish about its chances of a successful finish to 2018-19.
“The last few years coming into those last two games we had to push for that top-two spot,” Thompson said.
“Our experience got us over the line.
“This year a few of the younger guys are a little bit older, a bit more experienced (and) the older blokes are there doing their roles and making sure that pressure doesn’t get to us.”
The Eagles (124) moved to second after a 48-run victory over Preston YCW District (76) on Saturday.
MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS
NFL COMMITTED TO STATEWIDE REPRESENTATIVE CARNIVAL
Panton Hill star’s career day leads DVCA action
A Panton Hill batter enjoyed a career best day with the bat while there were career firsts and impressive performances across the board. See all the DVCA talking points.
Ranked: The top 70 local footy clubs of 2024
After a stunning year of local footy we’ve ranked our top 70 clubs as the best in Melbourne. Did we get it right? See who we say is number one and lodge your own vote.