SECOND-placed Collendina looks primed for another A Grade premiership tilt in 2016/17 after its runner-up finish last season.
Collendina recorded two victories against Ocean Grove and defeated Portarlington and Barwon Heads once. Their round two match against Drysdale ended in a draw after rain.
Both Jan Juc (37 points), Collendina (27 points) have bridged a gap on third-placed Ocean Grove (18 points) and fourth spot Drysdale (15 points).
Cobra coach Corey Walter has been a standout in 2016/17 with his classy unbeaten hundred against Barwon Heads on 17 December. He scored 85 and 72 against Ocean Grove in round one and round four.
Former co-coach Ben Ricardo showed why he is one of the better bats in the BPCA with his brilliant 138 against Portarlington. Ricardo shared in a 205-run stand with Andy Higgins who hit a terrific 85 against the Demons.
The Cobras have a settled top order batting line-up with the likes of Walter, Ricardo and all-rounder Higgins.
The return of gun bowler Charlie Lamb in 2017 will be a massive advantage. He took a six-wicket haul against the Grubbers in round four.
Lamb has only played three games, a scary prospect for opposition batting line-ups. Higgins and Jye Hearps have been good contributors with the ball.
Cobra bowlers Joe Hinkley and Dean Britt have stood up in the absence of Lamb, both took three wickets against Barwon Heads in round six.
The two-day game against Jan Juc looms as a compelling contest in round nine.
Expect a top two finish from the Cobras and a home final.
TOP PERFORMERS
Corey Walter 295 runs at 73.75 and 4 wickets at 24.75.
Ben Ricardo 212 runs at 53.
Andy Higgins 200 runs at 66.67 and 6 wickets at 31.33.
Charlie Lamb 8 wickets at 10.75.
RUN HOME
Round 7: Bye.
Round 8: Anglesea (away).
Round 9: Jan Juc (home).
Round 10: Barrabool (home).
Round 11: Queenscliff (away).
“We get an automatic six points after the Christmas/New Year break with the bye in round seven and it sets us up for a massive tilt in our last four games. The difference is this season we have got a lot of guys in the top order who are in good form. The bowling aspect has been huge. We will have a few headaches at selection – but it is healthy and it is good way to be.”
– Collendina coach Corey Walter
