QUICK TURNAROUND: Senior players like paceman Mark Wiegold will need to lead the way for Centrals today against Kinross. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 1020sgcrick4
THEY might be two-time defending premiers but Centrals is still chasing its first win of the Orange District Cricket Association season.
The first grade team has lost its opening two one-day matches and is determined to secure a different result when taking on Kinross today.
Centrals quick Jarrod Simpson said chasing a first victory for the season was plenty of motivation.
Making sure the side doesn’t lose to its younger opponents was also pushing Centrals.
“That’s not one you like to lose,” Simpson said of the match against Kinross.
In the opening round, Centrals suffered a seven-wicket loss to Orange City.
Last week, CYMS toppled Centrals by 76 runs.
“We just need to improve a few things,” Simpson said.
“We need to be a bit better drilled with our bowling and a bit more selective with the sort of shots we play when we’re batting.”
Centrals has also been without key players each round and will be again today.
“We’re missing a couple of people [Mitch Harvey, Michael Walker, Matt Fisher] but that’s something we’ve got to put up with,” Simpson said.
“The guys coming in the more experienced guys have got to cover it.”
Kinross will also be without at least two of its regulars with Nick Duffy and Charles Litchfield both playing for Western Zone at the NSW Country Under 17s Championships.
Simpson said the students will still be dangerous.
“As with all kids, they’ll be enthusiastic, especially if they get on top,” he said.
“For us, we have to make sure we don’t let it get to the situation where they get a sniff.”
Kinross had the bye in the opening round and last week had a five-wicket loss to Orange City.
Kinross and Centrals will clash from 1pm at Wade Park today.