ORANGE CYMS batsman Nick Wright says bowling - both his side’s attack and the representative one Cowra boasts - will be the deciding factor in Friday night’s Royal Hotel Cup grand final.
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And, Wright should know.
The hard-hitting opener has had the benefit of watching arguably the Orange District Cricket Association’s most well-rounded attack all summer, with Western Zone seamer Curtis Free and wily veteran spinner Al Dhatt two of the best exponents of white-ball bowling in the association.
And Cowra’s attack? Well, Wright smacked it to all parts in his maiden representative ton back in October, rescuing Orange with a knock of 125.
Wright, though, wasn’t reading too much into that knock, saying both sides will take different approaches heading into Friday's deciding Twenty20 game of the season.
He’s right, of course.
Twenty20 is a different kettle of fish to the 50-over cricket format played at a representative level.
And it’s also why he’s backing his bowlers to get the job done.
“Cowra has scored runs quite easily and scored lots of them too,” Wright said.
“But I think Curtis will be our main weapon and they know that ... they’ll be wary of him, which could work to our advantage.
“And Al has picked up plenty of wickets for us over the years and he’s still doing it this season too.”
Free, who could conceivably add a Royal Hotel Cup to the one-day trophy CYMS won in January and the NSW Country Championship crown he helped Western Zone to last month, is obviously up for the challenge the Cowra batting line-up, led by middle-order bully Mick Curtale, has to offer.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and getting out there and playing,” he said, before adding CYMS’ batting line-up was well equipped to handle the likes of Cowra guns Dave Henderson and Jacob McNaught.
“When our top five are getting the runs for us it’s the best thing you can have ... there’s nothing better than being a bowler and watching the batsmen bat.”
No pressure Nick? Right?
“You’ve still got to respect the good ball,” Wright said.
“Especially with the bowling attack of Henderson and McNaught. You’ve got to make sure you stay in those first six overs.
“I enjoy the T20 stuff, but I think we’ll go out there and just play our normal game.”
The Royal Hotel Cup grand final will begin at 6.30pm at Wade Park.