James heroic with the bat as Echuca takes control

By Alexander Dabb

Nov 5, 2023

Centurion: Kobyn James’ stunning effort of 118 from 159 deliveries helped Echuca salvage a total of 205 and take control at stumps on day one against Cooma. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

A stunning century from Kobyn James has put reigning premier Echuca in a commanding position following the first day of its clash against Cooma at Victoria Park.

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James, who starred in last season’s grand final with a ton, blasted 118 off 159 deliveries to drag his side to a competitive total of 205, as those around him faltered.

Having made 103 runs for the season at an average of 25.75 prior to occupying the crease on Saturday, James, who was opening in the absence of Curtis Townrow, hit 22 boundaries as he saved his heavily fancied side from embarrassment against the visitors.

While James was able to master the conditions and dispatch Cooma’s bowlers to every part of the ground, there were meagre returns from the rest of Echuca’s batsmen, with seven players dismissed for single digits.

After Brendan Moyle fell for a duck to start the innings, James combined with Matthew Hinks (36) for a 103-run stand, with the pair remaining patient and looking set to put a big number on the board.

But Ben Napier (3-38) struck to remove Hinks and very quickly had import Ewan Davidson also heading back to the pavilion as Echuca slumped to 3-103.

The Cooma paceman struck again to send Aidan Young (5) packing cheaply, before Ethan Palma-Ludeman joined the party and wrapped up the Echuca innings.

Removing danger man James to have the home side 6-174, Palma-Ludeman claimed the scalps of Simon Maddox and Rylea Jones for ducks, also trapping Kale Edwards in front for just one as Echuca slumped to 9-190.

Lachie Hogan made the only meaningful contribution with the bat outside of James and Hinks, putting on 30 until he was run-out, which wrapped up Echuca’s dig.

If Cooma was happy with restricting the reigning premier to a tick over 200, the elation was short lived, as it was immediately put on the back foot when it set about the chase.

Jones (2-9) took the first wicket, as Robert Trewin was sent packing for one, before Hinks ensured both Cooma openers were taking off the pads early when he dismissed Brad Power (4) to have the visitors in strife at 2-9.

Jones also took care of Cooper Fawcett (6), while Jake Kelly (5) fell victim to Young, leaving the visitors with a mountain of work to do.

English import Matthew Darvill and Ben Napier survived to remain not out at stumps, with Cooma some 177 runs shy of Echuca’s total at 4-28.

Day one

Echuca 205 (Kobyn James 118, Matthew Hinks 36, Ethan Palma-Ludeman 4-41) plays Cooma 4-28 (Matthew Darvill 9 not out, Cooper Fawcett 6, Rylea Jones 2-9).