CRICKI Leaks’ intrigue into the great Orange District Cricket Association knows no limits, and certainly the breeding ground for the game’s next generation of stars has caught our attention.
The ODJCA has produced some wonderful talent.
Of late, you can think Chris Tremain, think Matt White and even the NSW Country Cricketer of the Year Josh Bennett.
But we’re rapt to see one of the game’s most underrated recognised by the juniors.
A big hitting batsman and crafty medium pacer, Matt Coote says he is both “honoured” and “humbled” to have Kinross’ junior cricket club name one of its sides - the KWS Cootes in the ODJCA under 16s competition - after him.
Older brother of little known Kinross graduate and perennial under-achiever Jackson, Matt obviously made an impression during his infrequent visits to the hallowed turf of Kinross’ main oval, despite attending rival institute James Sheahan.
“I really can’t recall ever having played a game at Kinross,” Coote said.
“Obviously I did or they wouldn’t have named a side after me - there’s no other explanation.”
Coote also had some encouraging words for his struggling sibling, plying his trade in Sydney Grade Cricket at the moment.
“Jack just has to keep plugging away. What he lacks in ability and smarts he can make up for simply by applying the many, many lessons I doled out to him in the backyard.”
THE ODCA second grade’s premiership hunt heats up this weekend, with Orange City playing CYMS and Gladstone tackling Kinross in the 2012-13 title race’s semi-finals.
Here’s Cricki Leaks’ fab four:
Orange City - Shaun Churchill is by far and away his side’s best bat, belting 134 in his last innings while averaging 54 this summer. The big wicket in City’s line-up.
CYMS - We’re going Pat Madden here. A crafty leggie not unlike his skipper, Madden has best figures of 4-0 and can rip through a batting line-up in quick time. His 25 wickets for the year have come in just 50.2 overs.
Gladstone - The easy option is Ben McAlpine, all 35 wickets and 326 runs. But we’re a fan of Richard Manning. The big hitting opener hit 97 - a knock including 10 sixes - in an his last innings, an ominous warning ahead of the semis.
Kinross - It’s hard to know who Kinross will name in its second grade side this weekend, but we’re hoping Hughy Britton gets a crack. The talented young-gun bagged 5-8 in the last round to catapult the students into the post-season.
