GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT: Dave Boundy is looking for a more patient Orange City when they take on Centrals in day one of round 10 action at Wade Park. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 1222wadecrick2
THEY got knocked over the last time the two met, but Orange City skipper Dave Boundy is hoping a more patient Warriors outfit will be able to get the points against Centrals today at Wade Park.
The defending premiers bounced back with a win over City the last time the two played, capitalising on a strong batting performance on day one to then bowl the Warriors out on day two, 53 runs short of their target of 198.
It was Centrals’ best win of the season.
At the same time, it was probably the one that got away for Orange City - a win would have put the Warriors on top of the Orange District Cricket Association first grade ladder.
Instead, City is now locked in a battle for second with CYMS.
A strong day one showing from the Warriors at Wade Park today will go a long way in helping Boundy and his men secure a top two position, with CYMS forced to take on a red-hot Cavaliers at Country Club Oval.
But given how Centrals accounted for City just prior to Christmas, Boundy isn’t about to let lightning strike twice.
“I think we’ve got to bat better, and we’ve spoken about that,” Boundy said.
“We talked about it yesterday (Thursday) as a team. We sat down and talked about how we need to focus a bit more on our team goals and expectations.
“We know we’ve got to bat better and the way we played last Saturday was a great way to start the new year.”
The way City played was, of course, largely thanks to an unbeaten 84 from batsman Shaun Grenfell, an innings which helped set up Orange City’s 25-run win over CYMS.
But that’s often all it takes.
Look at any big total scored by ODCA teams this summer and one batsman has scored big runs, with others chipping in around him.
It’s what worked for Centrals last time they won versus City.
Skipper Jarrod Simpson hit 73 with Matt Weller (34), Jake Pauletto (25) and Dave Aldis (23) contributing.
Simpson knows that same, simple formula is necessary for Centrals to keep their slim hopes of a finals berth alive.
“That’s the thing, when we bat we just need to bat out the day and be patient and when we bowl, bowl at the stumps and take our catches,” Simpson said.
“We’ve worked hard on that this week.”
Play between Orange City and Centrals begins today at 1pm.