VINTAGE Richie Venner.

That’s what Orange City was subjected to last Saturday on the opening day of their Orange District Cricket Association two-day clash with Cavaliers, as the maroons skipper belted 96, catapulting his side to 2-135 at stumps chasing the Warriors’ 163.

But, in what Orange City stand-in skipper Jackson Coote labelled a “potentially match-defining” moment, Venner was dismissed on the second last ball of the day, miscuing a pull shot into Dave Langston’s reliable mitts.

Basically, for Coote, with Venner looking a class above, the clash seemed all-but unwinnable but with him back in the sheds and Orange City still leading by 28, it becomes an entirely different prospect.

“Anything can happen. You have be confident of a win in any situation, or you shouldn’t be out there,” Coote said.

“Early wickets are key. If we can heap pressure on them, we’re a chance. There is pressure there too, especially with Richie out. You look at it, 96 from 135, that’s enough to tell you how much he influences their side and any side he’s in. But him getting out then puts pressure on the next few guys to get Cavaliers home.

“For us, it’s about attacking, and trying a few different things to get those remaining eight wickets, and making sure we take the chances if they come.”

Despite being confident of producing the fight-back necessary to win the game, Coote conceded he would be remiss to not think about the remainder of the game as well.

Specifically, Orange City’s plans should Cavaliers pass their total.

“If they do pass our score, we just can’t afford to give up,” he said.

“If we roll them without much of a lead, it’s virtually a one-day game for the outright result in a way. It’s about us having a positive attitude and showing lots of ticker regardless of the score.

“There’s plenty of cricket left, and if it goes that way I think it will actually be a good way to test where we’re at as a side.”

Cavaliers start searching for the 28 runs necessary for victory from 1pm.

matthew.findlay@fairfaxmedia.com.au