COLLENDINA gun strike bowler Charlie Lamb’s six-wicket haul was the catalyst in the Cobras’ 26-run win over Ocean Grove at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday.
Chasing 230 for victory the A Grade Grubbers were in deep trouble at 4/49 before Ocean Grove coach Paul Jubber (75) and Mick Kenneady (38) combined in a crucial 52-run fifth wicket partnership.
Jubber paid tribute to Lamb’s excellent spell alongside fellow Cobras bowlers Andy Higgins, 2/72 from 25 overs and Jye Hearps, 1/46 from 22 overs.
Lamb finished with the stunning figures of 6/65 from 22.3 overs.
“Charlie was outstanding,” Jubber said.
“Credit to Charlie, Jye and Andy – they bowled to their fields.”
Former Collendina co-coach Ben Ricardo (50) who scored a half-century on day one, said Lamb won’t play until the new year with a family trip planned to United Kingdom over the Christmas period.
“Yeah, Charlie will miss the next couple of games but we will get him back after the bye in January, so he should only miss two games, which is good,” Ricardo said.
Meanwhile Jubber said it was disappointing to lose a two-day game at home after a win against Barwon Heads in Round 2 and an away victory over Anglesea on 5 November.
“It is always disappointing to lose, especially at home and against one of our arch rivals,” he said.
“Losing wickets early naturally put us under pressure.”
At 5/101, the home side fought hard to make a 200-plus total with Jubber and Grubber wicket-keeper Huon Bertino (18) putting on 56 runs for the sixth wicket.
In the end, Ocean Grove were bowled out for 203 from 73.4 overs.
On day one, Cobras coach Corey Walter continued his excellent start to season with a crafty 72 as he and Ben Ricardo shared in a third-wicket 73-run partnership.
Cobras all-rounder Andy Higgins chimed with 36 in the middle-order, while Nathan Walter (24) made a handy contribution batting at number three.
The Cobras were cruising at 2/160 before the Grubbers hit back and rolled the visitors for 229 from 74.2 overs.
Ocean Grove bowler Lindon Giuffrida (2/41) claimed the vital scalps of Walter and Ricardo.
Grubbers spin-king Mick Gill, who bowled 25 overs took 3/80, while fellow tweaker Thomas Kent chimed in with 2/32.
This Saturday, Ocean Grove travels to Barrabool for a two-day game, while Collendina is at home to Portarlington.
