By David Nagel
The magnificent season of Carlisle Park (2/198) opener Ravi Kodithuwakku (129 not out) reached extraordinary new heights on Saturday with the gifted left-hander guiding the Vikings to a hugely-important victory over Cranbourne Meadows (9/196).
The sign of a great batter is performing when their side needs them most – and the Vikings really needed Kodithuwakku on the weekend.
The Vikings were not only chasing back-to-back victories – their only two for the season – but were also hunting down a 197-run target that could see them avoid relegation.
Stuff this up and the Vikings were definitely back down in District Division next season.
Kodithuwakku responded in the style of a champion, cracking 13 fours and two sixes in an 89-ball journey that took his run-tally to 619 for the season.
Exceptional players like Pakenham’s Chris Smith (495) and Tooradin star Cal O’Hare (491) are having career-defining seasons…but Ravi is clearly at the top of the pile.
The ease of victory was unbelievable, with the Vikings cruising home with 12 overs left to bat.
It’s scary to think what Kodithuwakku might have finished on if those overs were allowed to be bowled!
Once again by Kodithuwakku’s side was Anurudda ‘Teddy’ Fonseka (56), who made his fourth-consecutive half-century – two of those unbeaten – to be one of the in-form players in the competition.
These two really do love batting together with partnerships of 70, 111, 47 and now 171 from four of their last five games.
The Vikings won easily in the end, but the pre-tea session was a classic with neither team conceding an inch in a tooth-and-nail battle to avoid relegation.
The Rebels innings started steadily enough through partnerships from Ajith Venkatesan (14), Khush Singh (15) and Harkamal Khokar (18)…but reached its high-point through the middle overs.
Pardeep Singh (43) dug in for the fight while inspirational skipper Sunny Paul (63 not out) scored a well-deserved first half-century of the season.
The Vikings would have been chasing a lot more in the second half of the day if not for the early efforts of Brendan McCarthy (2/17)…who slowed things down with the key wicket of Singh.
A win for either side this week will likely see them avoid relegation and stay in the top-flight of West Gippsland cricket next seas.
Both face monumental tasks, with the now seventh-placed Vikings hosting top-of-the-table Tooradin, while Cranny Meadows roll out the welcome mat for reigning premiers Cardinia.
Tooradin (7/243) is just one step away from winning the minor premiership after the Seagulls ‘big-three’ dismantled Clyde (94) at Tooradin.
Skipper Cal O’Hare (88) and Tom Hussey (43) were instrumental with the willow, while Russell Lehman (77 and 5/21) was extraordinary with both bat and ball. Dylan Sutton (2/5) and Brad Butler (2/17) were also important for the Gulls, while number-11 Liam Bennett (23 not out) saved the Cougars from utter embarrassment.
Kooweerup (175) star Chris Bright (69) led the second-placed Demons to victory over Merinda Park (8/166).
Bright, Cody Miller (30) and Steve Dillon (26) set up the victory despite some great bowling from Cobras’ Tyson Bertrand (4/34) and Josh Phillips (3/25).
Dustin Peebles (53 not out ) and Phillips (27) battled hard for the home side…but the Demons were too strong.
And third-placed Pakenham (8/135) has survived a low-scoring battle against Cardinia (115).
Dale Tormey (46) and Chris Smith (38) set things up for the Lions before Tom Brennan (3/23), Jason Williams (2/13) and Sean Gramc (2/27) tied things down after tea.
Lachlan (3/28) and Nathan Volpe (2/7) were best for the Bulls.
