By David Nagel
Merinda Park (3/162) has chalked up its first win of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association season after the Cobras produced a rollicking run-chase against Clyde (8/160) at Ramlegh Reserve on Saturday.
Just 26.2 overs were required for the Cobras to hunt down the Cougars, with Casey South-Melbourne heavy-hitter Michael De Iacovo (58) showing his class in a breath-taking display of power-hitting.
De Iacovo smacked eight fours and three sixes to set an exciting foundation for the Cobras, who eventually cruised their way to victory.
Clyde skipper Brett Reid won the coin toss and elected to bat first, with star import Michael Vandort (52) playing a patient innings at the top of the order.
The Cougars two big guns, Vandort and Jason Hameeteman (44), put on an 84-run stand for the third wicket, before De Iacovo (2/26 off 8) struck, having Hameeteman caught by Devish Kumar (2/24 off 8)…who also had a major say with the ball.
Kumar removed both openers, before Vandort, Hameeteman and Kane Avard (28 not out) settled an ailing ship.
Sasindu Perera (3/32 off 8) was the main destroyer with the ball for the Cobras, denying the Cougars late-over hitters from having a major impact.
With a score on the board of 160, the match appeared to be in the balance.
But De Iacovo produced a batting masterclass, crunching 50 of his 58 runs in boundaries, with Cobras’ star Daniel McCalman (22) offering sturdy support.
The Cougars were right under the pump, been smashed in the early exchanges, and things didn’t get any easier after McCalman and De Iacovo both had the pads unstrapped.
Perera followed up his three-fa from before the tea break with a sparkling innings of 64 not out, which was laced with eight boundaries and a six.
Skipper Andrew Martin (12 not out) had the best seat in the house, shaking hands early after De Iacovo and Perera had combined for 122 runs…with 88 coming in boundaries!
The Cobras now head to Kooweerup this Saturday, before rounding out its double-header by hosting Officer.
The Cougars, still winless this season, head to Officer on Saturday for a must-win contest against the Bullants, before heading to the artificial surface at Carlisle Park on Sunday.
The Cougars are desperate for back-to-back wins, with two-day games against Cardinia, Kooweerup and Pakenham closing in on the horizon.
