Rivergum kicked off the North Metro Cricket Association’s Jika Shield season on a winning note on Saturday.
Last year’s runners-up made was a solid start to the season with a 19-run win against Keon Park at Donath Reserve.
Two of the Kookas’ more experienced campaigners did the damage with the bat.
Skipper Gary Bell joined Alex Jesensek at the crease at 2-35 and the two put on nearly 100 for the third-wicket partnership.
Once Bell fell for 44, the Kookas were slowed and eventually finished 8-176.
Jesensek top scored making 78 as just three Kookas reached double figures.
Keon Park started the run chase well and at 2-104 appeared to be cruising.
Wickets then started to fall as the Kookas regained the momentum.
Keon Park ran out of time, finishing 8-157.
Scott Morley was the pick of the Rivergum bowlers, taking 3-31.
While Rivergum season got off to strong start, the same couldn’t be said for Lalor Warriors.
The Warriors’ batsmen endured a horror day.
Having restricted Heidelberg West to 4-146 off its overs, the Warriors would have been confident of getting the runs.
After an 11-run opening partnership, things went downhill for the Warriors.
Just one player reached double figures as the Warriors were bowled out for 60.
Themi Tilkeridis made 17, with extras the top contributor at 19.
North Brunswick/Rosebank and Holy Trinity were the other winners.
