DESPITE the complaints and cease and desist notices Cricki Leaks received from ODCA powerbrokers after our season-opening column last week, we’ve returned to wreak havoc on the Orange cricketing world once again, writing from an undisclosed location abroad.
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Firstly, we must add a correction from last week’s piece. Centrals’ bowler Stan Danford got in contact with us to inform us his hairdo is in fact not called ‘The Ray Martin’ - he prefers ‘The Ellen DeGeneres’.
Now, let’s get serious.
Gone are the days of Orange securing the President’s Cup in a canter and qualifying for the SCG Country Cup finals on the back of Mark Wiegold’s slogging.
The players’ effort can’t be faulted, but unfortunately Orange suffered two losses last weekend, to Bathurst and tragically against the Blue Mountains.
Two particular incidents remain burnt into the forefront of Cricki Leaks’ brain: another batsman almost falling victim to Dave ‘The Neil Deal’ Neil’s run out curse, and the ridiculous notion of Matt Findlay bowling.
The Neil Deal, known for running his batting partners out in an attempt to secure red ink, had young Charlie Litchfield in his sights.
Luckily Litchfield, about 50 not out at the time, had the tactical nous to see straight through The Neil Deal’s devious plan, in fact turning the tables so the hunter became the hunted - Neil was left dead in the water, run out by a full pitch length.
Brilliant work Charles, few escape the Neil curse, and we’re proud of you.
(But it at the very least pales when compared to the effort of Matt Tedeschi and Pete Vanstone, of Centrals lower grade fame.
During their stint at the crease together in round one, this pair ended up not only at the same end after a running mix-up, but on the ground at the same end - and still both survived as Kinross’ fielding took on a Benny Hill-like theme.
Athletically gifted beyond question, the Centrals’ batting duo, once in their rightful creases, both forced play to be abandoned for a good 15 minutes.
It’s unknown how much hair Tedeschi lost sliding face first twice in one innings, but if good judges are correct, he’s looking very sphynx cat-esque at present.)
Now, comical running aside, it’s dark days in Orange cricket when Matt Findlay plays as a spinner, and bowls his full 10 overs.
But, he’s skipper, so no wonder he bowled ... and Cricki Leaks commends him for that - anyone who can abuse a position of power for their own benefit like that is fitting in our books.
Here’s hoping more captains do this same tomorrow around Orange - who wouldn't want to see another Shaun Churchill pie drive.
