Ramela Cobras’ top run-getter after double-ton

OMPHILE RAMELA has eased into top spot among the Cape Cobras run-scorers in four-day cricket this season following his unbeaten knock of 202 over the weekend.

Ramela, pictured, achieved the doubleton against the Titans over the weekend in a rain-affected match which saw the teams share the points in Benoni.

Left-hander Ramela has been in good form in the last five matches, scoring 585 runs in eight innings, which has seen him surpass Dane Vilas at the top of the Cobras run charts with 710 runs in 15 innings.

“Throughout the season I have been working hard in the nets and just trying to validate my spot in the side. I suppose now luck is starting to go my way and I am really enjoying myself out there,” said Ramela.

Titans opener Dean Elgar also scored a double-century in the match, but was forced to retire hurt.

“I would put this weekend’s innings up there amongst some of my best times out there in the middle but it was sort of a bitter-sweet moment because we did not win the game. It’s good to get a big score but it is always better when it helps your team to a win.”

Following the weekend’s result the defending four-day champions remain rooted to the bottom of the six-team log after only one win in nine matches.

“It has not been a good campaign for us even though I felt we played some good cricket in the last few matches. There is still one more game left to play, so we will be looking to finish the season on a high.”

This weekend the Cobras will travel to Maritzburg to face the Dolphins in the final match of the series and a victory, coupled with a loss for the Warriors, could see the men from the Cape end the season in fifth place.

The domestic season ends thsi weekend and despite the lowly finish in the fourday competition the Cobras enjoyed a successful season, taking the T20 title and finishing runners-up in the One-Day Cup.

“With us having a bumper season, I think it was always going to be difficult to be competitive in all three competitions. We also played in the T20 Champions League at the start of the season, so we started the four-dayers late. Next season we will also be going to the Champions League but I think we will learn from this season and be able to handle the extra matches.”