FOLLOW ME: Chris Novak will lead the charge with the ball for CYMS as they go for an outright win over Kinross today at Kinross Main Oval. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0216sgcrick3
THERE’S not a more competitive bloke in the Orange District Cricket Association.
And with 10 wickets and 91 runs standing between CYMS and an outright victory in today’s first grade clash with Kinross, there’s not another bowler in the competition green and golds skipper Trent Colley would want tearing in.
Chris Novak, the ODCA’s leading wicket taker with 24 scalps, will lead CYMS with the ball as his side goes for maximum points and first place on the 2012-13 top grade with just two rounds remaining after today.
Powerful, quick, emotional, eccentric - Novak will dish out just about everything to the students at Kinross Main Oval.
And his teammates love it.
“I wear my heart on my sleeve. I get in the zone. I get emotional. That’s just who I am. I like to win and I want to win,” Novak said.
“I want to do well for CYMS and sometimes I might go a little over the top with my celebrations.
“It gives the boys something to laugh at anyway.”
CYMS have already wrapped up first innings points courtesy of one of the more dominant day-one efforts of the season.
Bowling first, CYMS tore through the students for just 37.
In reply, Dave Neil (53) guided the green and golds to a declared total of 5-139 and a 102-run lead.
At stumps, Kinross was 0-11 but still firmly in damage control.
First innings points will already place CYMS on top of the ladder.
However, if Cavaliers defeat Centrals in the other top grade game this weekend, top place will then be shared between CYMS and Cavs.
An outright win by Novak and the green and golds will ensure CYMS sit alone on top of the 2012-13 standings.
Novak said he could feel his side clicking at the right time of the year.
“Heading into the semi-finals, the boys are really starting to hit their marks,” he enthused.
“The bowlers are bowling good line and lengths and the batsmen are betting in partnerships, and that’s something Trent has spoken about a lot.
“We’re starting to gel well. We’re definitely building momentum, in both competitions. I’ve never doubted our ability.”
A big win today was important for another reason.
“In the final round we’ve got a bye, so we need to get as many points as we can in order to finish first and make the grand final,” he said.
Today’s play resumes at 1pm at Kinross Main Oval.