GROUP EFFORT: Steve Sharp (left), Brendan Kent (Kent's Building Supplies), Trent Colley, Mark Frecklington, Libby Tandy (Apple City Paper) and Carl Sharpe are ready for the 2012-13 representative cricket season. Photo: MICHELLE COOK 0830mccricket
ORANGE will start its representative cricket preparations today with the season starting in three weeks.
Representative training will be held this afternoon with all interested players welcome to attend.
The open Orange team have Matt Tabbernor as coach this season and Steve Sharp taking on the manager’s role.
Orange District Cricket Association vice-president Trent Colley said it was all about being more professional.
“We’ve asked Matt to come on board and he’s a young guy who’s keen,” Colley said.
“We’ve got Steve who is a young guy who wants to be involved and loves cricket.
“We’re trying something new to be successful and raise expectations. We want to get back to where we used to be one of the top teams.”
In the 2011-12 season, Orange had just one win which came in their final game of the season.
Training will be held for the three Saturday’s leading up to Orange’s first Western Premier League fixture on Sunday, September 23 against Mudgee.
Colley said should Orange be competitive this season, there is a chance they could still be playing in December.
“Every Sunday in October there will be a rep fixture,” Colley explained.
“It’s all going towards the Country Championships on November 9-11. So everything is earlier.”
The SCG Country Cup finals will be held in December.
Good performances are also important for individuals.
“Every representative game counts towards Western Zone selection this season.”
The ODCA has already been preparing for the representative season off the pitch.
A sponsorship raffle was held for businesses to be promoted on the team’s clothing this season.
The Central Caleula Motor Lodge were the big winners with Kent’s Building Supplies, Apple City Paper and Ashcroft’s Supa IGA earning the minor prizes.
The raffle raised more than $3000 for the rep teams.
Training for all those interested in play in the rep side will be held at Riawena Oval every Saturday from today from 1-3pm.
Colley said people need to attend training if they want to be considered for the team.