CRICKET
CENTRALS’ 2015-16 Orange District Cricket Association first grade season starts on Saturday at Riawena Oval, and skipper Adam Shepherd says if his side is to start the summer on the front foot it’ll come down to doing the simple things well.
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Centrals won three games last year in a disappointing campaign, but with a string of new faces in the side Shepherd believes exciting times are ahead for the red and blacks - the season opening 40 overs a side clash with the students looming as a crucial one for both clubs this year.
“For us it’s important to get off on the right foot,” he said, himself returning from a year away from cricket.
“It’s an early game in the season so everyone will be a bit rusty, but if we can get the application side of things right, bat out the overs and those simple things then we’ll be okay.”
Centrals have been buoyed by the inclusion of former students Jack Dodds and Will Olson this summer.
While former junior and Wanderers quick Daryl Kennwell has made the move to Centrals in a bid to play more regular first grade cricket.
Among the new faces, Shepherd and Dean Turner form an experienced top order batting duo and young quick Zac Reimer shapes as an integral cog in the red and blacks’ arsenal.
“There’s a lot of new faces in the team, which is exciting,” Shepherd said.
“Those guys should look at it as an opportunity to grab the spot and cement it for the year.”
Kinross coach Andrew Litchfield hinted the same opportunity was there for a number of the students as the high turnover of players his club experiences yearly hits again.
He added the inclusion of Dodds and Olson at Centrals this season would make the game fun.
“It’s going to be a good test for us to see where we’re at,” Litchfield said.
“We haven’t had the best lead-up with school holidays and what not, but with a few old boys over at Centrals this year it should make the game an interesting one.
“There’s new faces at their club which is good, and the same at ours.”
Centrals take on Kinross from 1pm at Riawena Oval.