REP DEBUT: Stuart Crisp will make his representative debut for Orange tomorrow in the Country Shield. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 1122crick1
STUART Crisp never expected his first representative honour in Orange to be in a colts team.
The 44-year-old will vice-captain the Orange Colts in tomorrow's Country Shield match against Cowra.
This is the first time he has played in an Orange representative side after the Englishman came here three years ago.
The Orange side includes a majority of under 21s players combined with some older heads for experience.
“It's a well-balanced side,” Crisp said.
“My job will be to provide the boys with some guidance. I bring a bit of experience to the team. Most of them have played under 21s cricket.”
The Country Shield is a new competition introduced this season which is a step between the SCG Country Cup, which Orange plays in, and the Country Plate.
Mudgee, Blue Mountains and Cowra will contest the Shield along with the Orange ‘Colts'.
Crisp was surprised to be selected in the Colts side.
“I was given a tap on the shoulder by Steve Ryan,” Crisp explained.
“I coach the [Orange] under 16 rep side and I've known Steve for a few years. He obviously thought I could help the side.”
Crisp said he was happy to be playing and was looking forward to the challenge.
Orange will take on Cowra in tomorrow's match at Riawena Oval and Crisp is backing his young side.
“I don't know anything about the Cowra side. If our guys play to their potential, they can beat anybody,” he said.
“It's early in the season and anything can happen in an early season game.”
Crisp has already found some early season form knocking 56 for Kinross in their Orange District Cricket Association second grade win against Cavaliers last Saturday.
He also took 1-30 from his seven overs with the ball.
Tomorrow's Country Shield match between Orange Colts and Cowra will start at 10am at Riawena Oval.
The winner will take on the winner of tomorrow's match between Mudgee and Blue Mountains on November 4.