NMCA Jika Shield 2019-20: Cobras score upset win over Rivergum
Cobras knocked off one of the NMCA’s power clubs at the weekend, but skipper Franky Tomaras is acutely aware there is plenty of heavy lifting to do in an even competition.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Cobras have lifted themselves to second position on the ladder after starting 2020 in style with a one-wicket NMCA Jika Shield victory over perennial contender Rivergum on Saturday.
Set a target of 171 at Kelynack Reserve, Cobras managed to hold on to claim an impressive win with one ball to spare and one wicket in hand.
Aruna Dharmasena top-scored for the visitors with 54, his third half-century for the season and his first since November, while Matthew Millett and Shanin Silva finished with figures of 2-44 and 2-34 respectively.
“It was fantastic to see the boys start the year off the way we did and to get a win against a side like Rivergum is always a great confidence-booster,” captain Franky Tomaras said.
“Coming off two disappointing losses before the Christmas break was far from ideal, but full credit to the boys for regrouping after the break and for putting on a performance like they did.”
Cobras’ bowling performance proved crucial, managing to reduce the home side at 2-21 early while also removing captain-coach Matt Perri, who smashed his way to 98 the last time these two sides met, for 35.
Tomaras praised his bowlers’ effort in the absence of Andrew Wegener, who is suspended for next two matches for umpire abuse.
“It’s always difficult to lose somebody like Andy for the amount of time that we are going to. He’s had a great season with the ball,” he said.
“We made a couple of changes when we had to, but overall the bowling performance was brilliant. Matt and Shanin were more than handy for us when we needed them.”
Tomaras said Cobras’ next two matches against Cameron and Holy Trinity were opportunities to cement a top-two spot and build momentum leading into finals, but the skipper is acutely aware his side needs to maintain its focus in an even competition.
“It’s definitely looking promising at the moment in terms of achieving our goal of finals,” Tomaras said.
“But one thing we have learnt is that the league is so tight that anyone can beat anyone. As good as beating a side like Rivergum is for example, we are just as capable to lose a game to bottom placed Heidelberg West, like we already have.”
In other Round 10 results, Cameron (2-130) took care of Heidelberg West (127), ladder-leader Rosebank (4-163) enjoyed a six-wicket win over Preston YCW District (8-162) and Holy Trinity (4-225) kept itself in the finals race with an easy victory over Preston Baseballers (153).