NMCA 2019-20: Cobras defeat Preston YCW District in semi-final
Cobras have won their first NMCA Jika Shield final on the back of a superb bowling performance, setting up a preliminary final clash with powerhouse Rosebank.
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Cobras are one win away from a berth in the NMCA Jika Shield decider after a history-making four-wicket victory over Preston YCW District.
The success marked the club’s first finals win in the competition’s top flight and set up a preliminary final appointment with reigning premier Rosebank.
The Eagles, who finished the regular rounds as minor premier, went down by three wickets in the major semi-final as Rivergum booked the first spot in the grand final.
Cobras captain Franky Tomaras said his side was not daunted by the task of taking on one of the NMCA’s powerhouse clubs.
“They’re both good teams so I knew that despite whoever won the game, it was going to go all the way, right to the full 80 overs,” Tomaras said.
“Rosebank haven’t seen us bowl yet because in both games they’ve both been washed out. They’ve seen us bat but not bowl which will be interesting.
“But we are up for the challenge, we’re excited for the challenge, we just want to get out there.”
Preston YCW District won the toss and elected to bat first in the sudden-death semi-final, posting 125 after 68.2 overs, its second lowest total this season when batting first.
Ryan Wills was the surprise packet for Cobras, sending down his first spell this Jika Shield season after opening bowler Matt Millett was unwell and all-rounder Damian Wegener restricted by a shoulder complaint.
Wills was his team’s leading wicket-taker, returning figures of 3-2 from just 3.2 overs, while Shanin Silva (2-18), Tomaras (2-24) and Andrew Wegener (2-29) also fired.
Cobras took 69 overs to seal the win as they reached 6-126, with Kane Paterson top-scoring with 39 and Kane Paterson contributing 34.
“It was a great win, especially considering we were playing against a side we hadn’t beaten this season. It’s really rewarding,” Tomaras said.
“We were able to control most of the contest and were able to make the most of the play despite it being a slow outfield. We were patient.
“A good crowd were down there, and a lot of the past players came down to watch, which was great. The feeling around the club at the moment is very good.”
Rivergum recovered from a top-order collapse to advance.
The Kookas slipped to 4-20 before No.9 Kyl Ewart (50 not out), Jarrod Bannister (43) and James Bonnici (38) lifted them to 7-188 in response to Rosebank’s 8-187.