CYMS stand-in skipper Hamish Finlayson is a man possessed.
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From eight digs this season, the 20-year-old has been dismissed just four times, amassing 239 runs at an average of 79.67 to sit third on the Orange District Cricket Association first grade run-scoring list.
Finlayson is also sitting third in the wicket takers’ list, with 13 scalps at 8.31.
At this point last season, Finlayson had 76 runs and eight wickets to his name.
Most consider Cavaliers Stu Middleton the premier all-rounder in town, and despite having superior statistics, Finlayson laughed off any comparison between the two.
“Stats don’t tell you everything,” he smiled.
“I’m not in the same league as Stu, he’s the best player in town. I’m just going through a purple patch.”
Finlayson put his recent form down to toning his intensity back, and focusing on the fun aspect of cricket.
“We were missing a lot of guys at the start of the year, and I’ve moved up the batting order,” he said.
“Having more time in the middle has helped. Nothing’s changed.
“All I can put it down to is relaxing a bit.”
Finlayson is looking to keep his run of form going in today’s clash with Waratahs and is relishing the chance to lead his team in the absence of regular skipper Hugh Le Lievre.
“Obviously losing Hugh is a big deal,” he said.
“He’s a very talented cricketer, and has a huge influence on the team as a leader. I’ll try to do my best to fill the void.”
Waratahs will be confident after their first win last week, Finlayson said, and his team needs to be switched on to avoid an upset.
“Our mindset stays the same regardless of who we play,” he said.
“We have been performing well in general pretty much all season. In saying that, there is always room for improvement in most facets, particularly bowling with discipline.”
’Tahs defeated Centrals by six wicket last weekend and skipper Brock Duncan said his team is looking to build from the win.
“CYMS are a very good side, but hopefully we can shake them up, or rissole them,” Duncan said.
“We’ve got our confidence up after last week, and the boys have been ready all week to rip into CYMS.
The commitment in the field, and the value we put on our wickets was important last week and we’ll look to build off that today.”