WELL PLAYED: CYMS batsman John Warrington leaves another one against Orange City in the last meeting between the pair at Wade Park. Rain may prevent today’s first play from getting underway. Photo: JEFF DEATH 1110jdcricket13
IT’S a godsend for many, but the rain that fell yesterday afternoon has played havoc with round 12 of the Orange District Cricket Association.
Not surprisingly, the inch of rain that fell washed out last night’s must-win Royal Hotel Cup between Kinross and CYMS, with the final pool match of the 2012-13 Twenty20 competition to be rescheduled for Wednesday night at Wade Park.
If replay match is also affected by rain, CYMS will progress to next Friday night’s semi-final against Blayney via their superior quotient rate.
The deluge of rain also put today’s Cavaliers-Kinross clash at Riawena Oval in some doubt, but, remarkably, the important top-of-the-table clash between Orange City and CYMS is also still a chance of getting under way today at Wade Park.
The ground’s curator Bruce Cousins will work on the Wade Park pitch this morning and if able to prepare the wicket, play will go ahead.
CYMS batsman Dave Neil said he was hopeful of getting on but with water seeping under the wicket throughout yesterday’s storm at Wade Park, play was still a long shot.
“Coming off the bye we wantall the cricket we can get,” Neil lamented.
“Not to mention, we’re playing another side in contention for the top spot on the ladder. It’d be good if we could get some play in.”
Currently, Orange City sits on top of the ODCA ladder with 60 points while CYMS and Cavaliers are locked in a fight for second on 52 points each.
Even before the rain, today’s clash against Kinross shaped up as an important one for Richie Venner and Cavaliers.
Coming of the back of two straight losses, the club’s only defeats throughout the first grade competition in 2012-13, Cavaliers are looking to bounce back strongly with a good showing against the students.
But it won’t be easy.
Cavs are without Chris Martin, Charlie Foran, Alex Little, Josh Doherty, Trent Jones and Mark Maybin for this round’s cricket.
“Our first grade depth this season is good, but it’s been hard to get any continuity,” he said.
However, Venner was adamant whoever plays in the club’s top grade side will be capable of doing the job for Cavaliers.
“We’re not thinking about anyone else. We’re jockeying for positions on the ladder at the moment and we’re focused on finishing as high as we can,” Venner said.
There has been a number of changes to lower grade fixtures.
Players can log on to orangedca.nsw.cricket.com.au for all up to date wet weather information.