Bowlers take charge
THE dominance of Inverleigh’s bowlers means the BPCA A2 competition is yet to see the best of Kookaburras’ batsmen, skipper Lockie Platt believes.
The high-flying Kookas put Little River to the sword on Saturday, securing a comfortable outright victory to tighten its stranglehold after six rounds.
After cleaning up first-innings points last week and then making a bold declaration, Inverleigh charged through Little River for the second time, skittling the Redbacks for 92.
The Kookaburras got to 4-88 off 19 overs in their second innings to take maximum points, ensuring a 12point lead at the top of the table.
Lachie Perrett was the chief destroyer with the ball for Inverleigh, taking 10 wickets for the match with hauls of 5-13 and 5-21. Murphy Walker (3-5 in the first innings) and Nick Platt (2-23 in the second innings) also chipped in with the ball.
Lockie Platt said the bowling performances were typical of the Kookaburras’ opening six rounds, where they have bowled sides out cheaply.
The bowling heroics have taken pressure off the batsmen, with keeper-batsman Platt’s 77 in Round 2 the only half-century for the Kookaburras this season.
“Our bowlers have been doing a terrific job. Our batting hasn’t really had the chance to show what we are capable of,” Platt said.
“I’m absolutely stoked with our bowlers. There hasn’t been a bowler that’s bowled bad (this season).
“We can improve. Our top order hasn’t batted as well as we could have. I’ve made a 50 one game but then no one else has made a 50.
“So with our batting there’s heaps of improvement there.”
Platt said his side had set itself up nicely leading into Christmas.
“It’s hard to get a gauge on it (the competition) at the minute, until after Christmas where everyone will get their full side in,” he said.
“We’re two games clear now, which gives us plenty of breathing space. It would be pretty disappointing to miss finals from here on in.”