KINROSS wants to play semi-finals cricket.
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Since the students entered the Orange District Cricket Association first grade competition in season 2007-08, they have never made the finals series.
Kinross coach Andrew Litchfield wants this year to be the first, and tomorrow’s clash with Centrals at Kinross Main Oval is the first step in reaching the goal.
The two teams were washed out last time they met in round six, and Kinross comfortably beat the red-and-blacks in round one by six wickets.
The two-blues have won three games and currently sit in fourth place, 24 points behind third placed Orange City and Litchfield wants his team to maintain momentum.
Traditionally Kinross has struggled in the longer form of the game, a theory Litchfield thinks the current line- up can rectify.
“We have plenty of good bats who will relish not having to increase scoring rates,” he explained.
“Charlie [Litchfield] and Toby [Polkinghorne] have really anchored our batting so far, and it will be a challenge for our middle order guys to bat out long innings. But it’s a good chance for those guys who haven’t had much of a hit in the one-dayers to get some good time in the middle.”
The students go into today’s game significantly under strength due to school holidays.
“Holidays are always tough for us, there is plenty of our players who go home and have to miss some cricket,” Litchfield explained.
Sam Nicholls, Andrew Johnson and Toby Polkinghorne are all missing from the students’ line-up, while Centrals are also under strength.
Just one other first grade game is still scheduled to be played today, between Cavaliers and Waratahs.
In round one Cavaliers monstered the sky blues, compiling 0/362 with skipper Richie Venner plundering 222 not out and vice-captain James Ryan notching 128 not out.
Waratahs have been steadily improving over the first half of the season, and Adam Brakenridge said if his side can “put it together”, they’re a chance of pushing the top teams.
“Hopefully it’s not as bad as last time,” he laughed.
“We’ve improved 100 per cent since round one, but we’re inconsistent. We’ve been bowling well one week, and then terribly the next.
“I’m not saying we’re going to beat Cavaliers tomorrow by any means, but I think if we have a full team, and put it all together we’ll definitely push them.
Day one of Orange City’s clash with CYMS was cancelled yesterday due to wet weather, while a decision will be made on the other two games today.