Jaga Koduru’s first Premier Cricket ton secures Northcote a top-eight finish at Melbourne’s expense
Jaga Koduru’s maiden Premier Cricket century has inspired Northcote to victory over Melbourne and secured the Dragons a top-eight finish, capping a brilliant post-Christmas surge.
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A brilliant, breakthrough century by Jaga Koduru on Saturday has secured Northcote a finals spot.
In a thrilling mini-elimination final, the Dragons defeated Melbourne by six wickets at Bill Lawry Oval to leap into the top-eight at the Demons’ expense.
Young gun Koduru was the hero, scoring his maiden Premier Cricket hundred — a classy 136 not out off 191 balls.
Northcote, in reply to Melbourne’s 109, were in deep trouble at 3-25 when Koduru walked to the crease on day one of the match and he walked off 300 runs (8-325) later when Melbourne conceded just before lunch on day two.
After being dropped to the Second XI mid-season, the former Victoria under-19 captain has responded strongly with 307 runs at 61.
Koduru said it was a great feeling to score his first ton.
“It was pretty hostile last week with (David) Moody bowling good pace,” he said.
“It’s the first ton ever in the ones. It’s good to tick that off.
“I started the season slow personally as well but I’ve been hitting them nicely recently, so it was nice to get a big one today.
“Our bowlers did the bulk of the work, bowling them out, and getting the chocolates last week took the pressure off and today was icing on the cake.
“I’ve been working hard and going back to things I’ve done well in the past, a few things have clicked, which is nice, and hopefully I can take this form into finals.”
Northcote secured first innings points last week after bowling Melbourne out in just 42 overs.
Roby Lane led the attack with 4-19, while Archie Lalor captured 3-6 from seven overs.
In response, the Dragons were 2-0 as openers Jonty Rushton and Sam Harbinson both fell for ducks before Elliot Brandon-Jones (33) steadied the ship.
Koduru and Mark Phelan (54) then came together for a match-winning 118-run fifth wicket parternership.
Aaron Crispe (36) and Blayde Baker (28) also made important contributions in support.
Unlike the previous two seasons, Northcote has jumped into the top-eight after strong post-Christmas form.
The Dragons will face Geelong in an elimination final.
Koduru said the club was full of confidence after beating the likes of Melbourne, St Kilda, Casey-South Melbourne and Camberwell.
“We started the season a bit slow but got a bit of momentum after Christmas,” he said.
“Whoever we play, we’ll be looking to carry on that momentum.
“All facets, I don’t know what it is, but something has clicked.
“We’ve had some new guys come into the team and they’ve all nailed their roles, so we’re pretty confident.”
In other finals, minor premier Prahran will face Casey-South Melbourne and Carlton will host Ringwood in qualifying finals.
Geelong and Northcote will do battle, while Fitzroy Doncaster will tackle Richmond in elimination finals.
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