By David Nagel
Merinda Park (4/199) has once again played a role in another thrilling game of WGCA Premier Division cricket with the Cobras producing a magnificent run-chase against Carlisle Park (4/198) on Saturday.
A sparkling century from gifted left-hander Ravi Kodithuwakku (107) appeared to give the Vikings the upper hand – but a near-200 score was not enough as the plucky Cobras produced the goods to make it an impressive four wins and a tie from their last six games.
Kodithuwakku’s knock, which took him to 434 runs and the top of the Premier Division list, was produced with typical assurance, caressing seven fours and bludgeoning three sixes in a 122-ball vigil that had the Cobras searching for answers.
Kodithuwakku is having an incredible patch of form, scoring 60 and 76 in his most recent innings against high-class opposition in Pakenham and Kooweerup respectively.
The lefty dominated an opening stand of 45 with Dave Nutting (8) before carving out a 111-run partnership with Anurudda Fonseka (53 not out).
On a really tough day for bowlers, Jaskaran Singh (2/26) stuck to his guns for the Cobras to become the only trundler in the contest to pick up multiple wickets.
Kodithuwakku’s century looked even more important during the early stages of the Cobras’ run-chase after Daniel McCalman (0) – the number-five ranked batter in the competition – was caught by Nutting off the bowling of Kasun Balasuriya (1/33) with just five runs being etched into the total.
But being on the back-foot early didn’t faze the visitors who set about keeping their faint finals hopes alive.
Ever-consistent opener Cambell Bryan (41) – who has made double-figures in every game this season – and skipper Dustin Peebles (89) batted with real purpose, orchestrating an 88-run stand that kept the game in the balance.
Peebles kicked on after Bryan’s departure, with partnerships of 37 with Liam Bertrand (21) and 55 with Jordy Bertrand (29 not out) seeing his team to within sight of victory.
Peebles crucial innings came to an end with the Cobras still 14 runs short of their target…and with time running out quick!
But, in typical Cobras fashion, they left it late with Bertrand – of the Jordy variety – and Josh Phillips (6) leading their team to triumph with just one ball left in the tank.
In their last three games the Cobras have chased down 265 against Cranbourne Meadows, survived a last-ball thriller against Clyde – and have now won with just one ball left of the 80 overs.
Their remaining draw is tough – with Tooradin, Cardinia, Kooweerup and Pakenham to come – but don’t write off the Cobras…their winning spirit in tight finishes could take them a long way.
The Cobras travel to Tooradin this week, while the unlucky Vikings will look to chalk up their first win of the season when they host reigning premiers Cardinia.
