The ODCA heavyweights won the Royal Hotel Cup earlier in the season, and Wilson said today and tomorrow’s semi-final is the next stepping stone in Cavaliers’ plan to regain the first grade title.

Cavaliers defeated CYMS last weekend to secure the minor premiership, and take on fourth-placed Centrals. 

Despite the easy four-wicket win over the green and golds, Wilson echoed skipper Richie Venner’s post-game comments, saying his team is nowhere near its best.

“We can improve,” he said.

“I think we should go alright [against Centrals] if we get their better bats out cheaply. I think they’re a bit short.”

Wilson is looking to reward Venner’s faith in him, by standing up and performing when it counts most. 

Wilson returned to Orange this season after several years living and working in Western Australia, and has plundered 284 runs at 25.82 across two grades, including 104 not out. 

Just 54 of those runs have come in the top grade though.

“Honestly my season in first grade has been pretty poor,” he said.

“I was batting much better last time I was in Orange, but I think I need to just stay patient and concentrate, put the bad balls away.”

A former Orange City Warrior, Wilson is no stranger to the top grade, nor scoring runs in it. 

He debuted for the Warriors in first grade in 2006-07, when he was just 15. 

He also made his Orange colts and opens representative debuts in two seasons in Orange City’s top side, based on several characteristic, gritty innings which included several half-centuries.

“I played with Richie in the rep team when I was here last, and I’ve always wanted to play under him again,” Wilson said.

“Playing with him and Stu (Middleton), I’ve learnt a lot.”

James Ryan returns to the Cavaliers team with Josh Doherty making way, while Centrals will be without Dean Turner, Adam Shepherd, George Olsen and Pat Russell.

Dan Sandford, Duncan Baird, Pete Vanstone and Wes Roweth take their places.

Cavaliers take on Centrals at Wade Park. Play starts at 12.30pm today and 11am tomorrow.