CAVALIERS stand-in captain James Ryan says his players are chomping at the bit for another shot at CYMS.
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The two teams square off in tonight’s first Royal Hotel Cup semi-final at Wade Park and Ryan said his troops won’t be short of motivation.
They have met four times already this season across two competitions, for three CYMS’ victories.
One of those wins was the Orange District Cricket Association limited-overs final, CYMS’ first piece of silverware in 30 years.
“We love playing CYMS,” Ryan said.
“Last week’s win [by eight wickets over Blayney] was huge for us, and I think knowing we’d play CYMS if we won gave us a lot of motivation. We can’t wait.”
Ryan and his teammates have a big task ahead if they are to knock off the green and golds.
CYMS are undefeated in the Twenty20 format this season, and Cavaliers will field an understrength line-up tonight.
Regular skipper Richie Venner will be absent, however after being named as unavailable earlier in the week, star all-rounder Stu Middleton will reportedly play.
“I heard he was thinking about playing, but I can’t confirm it,” Ryan said.
“I’ll speak to Stu [today] and see what’s happening. He’d be great to have, we saw against Blayney you can’t stop him when he’s on. I think it would definitely throw a spanner in the works for CYMS if he does play.”
Middleton blasted 93 not out in an irresistible display of Twenty20 batting against Blayney, and whether he plays could potentially make or break Cavaliers’ campaign.
Whether Middleton plays or not won’t effect CYMS’ preparation, skipper Hugh Le Lievre said.
“I assumed Richie and Stu would both play, and didn’t read into it too much,” he explained.
“It’s a semi-final, and I imagine they’ll put their strongest side on the paddock. Unfortunately we’re missing Hamish [Finlayson] and Jack [Sharpe]. But if we can take early wickets, and limit them when we bat we should put in a good show.”
Play starts at 6.30pm at Wade Park.
