JOHN Warrington’s maiden first grade century catapulted Orange City into a winning position on day one of its Orange District Cricket Association round 12 game against Waratahs on Saturday.
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Warrington played a chanceless innings as he nudged and prodded his way to 102 not out, combining with City’s Newcastle recruit Craig Rogan (74) in a 124-run fourth wicket stand.
After losing skipper Matt Findlay (16) and Shaun Grenfell (11) inside the first 15 overs, City sat precariously at 2-48. Warrington and Shaun Churchill (25) steadied the ship before Churchill was run out, bringing Rogan to the crease at 3-97.
Rogan and Warrington took the score to 221 before the former was caught, and after Warrington scampered through for a quick single to bring up three figures, Findlay called his batsmen in at 6-269.
Jeffrey Chapman and Hugh Brown were the best of the Waratahs bowlers, snaring 3-47 and 1-52 respectively.
With little more than 45 minutes left in the day, Jason Bailey (0), Jack Meek (9) and Adam Brakenridge (9) all fell victim to a late afternoon tirade from the Warriors, led by Jackson Coote (1-3), to finish the day at 3-31.
Orange City skipper Matt Findlay lauded his players’ performance, particularly Warrington.
“It’s good to see him ton up, the boys were all pretty excited for him,” Findlay said.
“He’s realised his potential a bit, hopefully it gives him a bit more confidence at the crease. He and Craigy set up a good score for us, but Waratahs bowled really well, particularly Hughy and Chapman. They deserve credit.”
An outright is on the cards, Findlay said, providing his players execute their bowling plans.
“It’ll be a tough slog, but an outright would do wonders for our confidence, and position,” he said.
Waratahs skipper Adam Brakenridge said he was happy with the way his team braved the elements.
“We bowled and fielded well, especially considering how hot it was,” he said.
“Even though we lost a couple of wickets late in the day, we’re not in too bad of a position. It’d be a huge effort to get a win, but if we can put our minds to it we should be able to score a few runs, and at the absolute least, avoid getting into a position where City could outright us.”