Cobram continued its winning ways to start the Murray Valley Cricket Association season with a rollicking seven-wicket triumph over Katamatite on Saturday.
It may only be two rounds into the new campaign, but already Cobram looks like it means business this summer with back-to-back class performances.
Bathed in the shadows of looming stormy skies, Cobram was forced to not muck around in the round two encounter at Cobram Showgrounds.
The threat of rain dictated how Cobram went about chasing its target of 104, with captain Adam De Cicco (31 not out) and Matteo Allen (30 not out) getting the job done in the 20th over and, more importantly, 10 minutes before heavy rain arrived.
Cobram coach Adam Harwood said there was plenty of urgency from the sidelines that the duo had to open the shoulders.
“Both Adam and Matteo did a really good job of reaching the score, I think we scored 40 or so runs in a couple of overs,” Harwood said.
“We had to hurry up; you could see the rain was coming and there were plenty of messages getting sent out to the two that we needed to score quickly.
“Luckily we reached the score and the rain did arrive about 10 minutes later and the way it came down there was no chance of us getting back on.”
The match began with Katamatite choosing to bat first after it won the toss.
Cobram’s opening quicks James Daniel (2-20) and De Cicco (2-19) tore through the visitor’s top-order which left Katty 3-22.
Brayden Beaton (25 runs) tried his best to lift Katamatite to a par score, but the captain ran out of batting partners and the away side slumped to 103 from 32.2 overs.
Hugh Hyde was the pick of the host’s bowlers with 2-13, while all-rounder Tyron Baden grabbed 2-20.
“I was reasonably happy with the performance,” Harwood said.
“I think we have still got some improvement left to get back to a level where we want to be at.”
Looking ahead to this week, Cobram will face undoubtedly its biggest test of the campaign with a home match against Nathalia.
Many expect Nathalia to be one of this season’s best improved sides after the addition of Cricket Shepparton Lightfoot medallist Liam Evans.
Throw in the fact that Cobram is set to be without a handful of star talents for Saturday’s clash and there’s no denying the Tigers will be up against it.
“Nathalia is looking pretty handy with the additions of Liam Evans and Luke Quinn,” Harwood said.
“We will have five of our boys out next week due to a wedding, but it’s a good opportunity and test for our younger boys.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The remaining A-grade matches were shifted to later in the season and will be played on Saturday, January 7.