Sport
30 January, 2019
Cats take home Gaut-Jewell Cup with win over Cobden
MORTLAKE’S win over Cobden last Saturday saw the Cats add a new piece of silverware to their already brimming trophy cabinet.
MORTLAKE’S win over Cobden last Saturday saw the Cats add a new piece of silverware to their already brimming trophy cabinet.
The two clubs were playing for the inaugural Gaut-Jewell Cup, which recognises the careers of former Knights’ batsman Colin Gaut and Cats’ quick Robbie Jewell.
It was the reigning premier who took home the cup first, with the Cats securing a 24-run win over the Knights at Cobden Recreation Reserve.
Cats’ skipper Todd Lamont said the cup was a great way to recognise the premiership eras both clubs have experienced.
“We knew there was going to be a cup at the end of the day but we didn’t know who it was going to be named after,” he said.
“It was nice to take out the inaugural one and it’s something we’ll play for every year
“The way they explained it was Cobden was pretty strong in the 90s and now we’re in our era (winning six of the last seven premierships), so it was a nice way to recognise both clubs.”
Alongside the inaugural cup match, a past players day featuring both clubs was held, with former stars of both clubs gathering upstairs to watch the division two match, which followed the division one contest.
Lamont praised the concept, and estimated up to 100 people attended the festivities.
“It was really impressive,” he said.
“The clubrooms were full to watch the division two game and to catch up with other people.
“It was really well attended and well supported.”
On field, the Cats and Knights played out an entertaining game, with the visitors dismissing the hosts for 166 in pursuit of their score of 7/199.
Lamont said the game went down to the wire, with his side only securing victory in the latter stages.
“I thought we played pretty good cricket, it was a pretty good match,” he said.
“We thought the pitch was difficult to bat on but we were pleased to make 200 (199).
“Cobden played quite well, they got a few partnerships going and got it to a run a ball.
“It was evenly poised in the last five to 10 overs, but once we got the last few wickets we felt a bit better about things.”
Clinton Baker led the way for the victors, top scoring with 75 and snaring two wickets (2/25), while Todd Robertson (3/18), Neil Kelly (37 and 2/40) and Jack Lehmann (2/18) also played well.
The Cats’ win keeps them in second position ahead of a clash with fourth placed Bookaar at D.C. Farran Oval this Saturday.
The two sides last met in the one-day competition in round three, with Mortlake scoring a six-wicket triumph on that occasion.
However, the two clubs met twice in the Fonterra Cup with Bookaar winning both matches and while he conceded that was not ideal, Lamont is keen to build on their 50 over form.
He said they would need to be at their best against the Pelicans, adding he was hopeful the Cats could prevail in front of their valued sponsors and supporters at the club’s sponsors day on Saturday afternoon.
“We just need to continue on our form and we need to be on our game,” he said.
“Bookaar had us in the 20 over cricket of late, but our 50 over form hasn’t been too bad, so we hope we can continue to build on that
“It should be a good clash, we have our sponsors day on so there should be a few about.”
In the lower grades, Cobden took the points in the division two clash with the Cats, bowling Mortlake out for 124 in pursuit of their score of 9/149.
Jason Lehmann (30) and Xavier Glossop (4/30) were the best performers with bat and ball.
In division three, Mortlake suffered a 24-run loss to Pomborneit.
The Bulls dismissed the Cats for 166 after posting 6/190, with Darcy Hobbs (58) and Triston Bamford (2/26) leading the way for Mortlake.
This weekend, division two has the bye, while division three hosts Terang at Mortlake School.