Exceptional.
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That’s how Orange City skipper Craig Rogan described his side’s bowling performance in Saturday’s opening day against Centrals, and credited it with putting the Warriors in a position to claim their first win of the 2016-17 Orange District Cricket Association season.
Although the greens didn’t bowl the red and blacks out, the Warriors did restrict Centrals to 5-172 from their 50 overs before working their way to 3-96 before stumps, firmly planting themselves in the box seat going into next week’s second day.
“Our bowling was exceptional, I couldn’t really put it any other way,” Rogan said.
“We’ve bowled well all year but this was another step above, our effort in the field was fantastic as I well.
“It was a hard fought first day. Centrals batted well, our guys who batted said it was a tough-ish deck to get in on, but we’re still very pleased to have been able to keep them to under 200.
“We’ve got 20 overs now next week to make the remaining 77 runs to win. At a bit under four an over we should be able to do that.”
Rogan highlighted 2016-17 recruit Brad Johnson as the pick of his side’s bowlers.
“He bowled 15 overs straight to pick up 1-42, being able to rotate at the other end was a blessing. He was brilliant,” Rogan said.
Ed Morrish (2-39) picked up Will Oldham (5) early to give his side the perfect start, but Centrals guns Dean Turner (29) and Jack Dodds (43) went about steadying the ship, adding 43 for the second wicket.
Dodds then added another 60 for the third wicket with Chris Hutchinson (33) while Charlie Mortimer (11) and Nick Sharp (19) chipped in at the end.
Charged with 30 overs to bat until stumps, Orange City openers Jock Cartwright (5) and Ben Findlay (24) put on 21 before the former fell to Sharp (1-8).
The latter was joined by Shaun Churchill (30) and the pair added 39 for the second wicket before Matt Ripps (1-21) had Findlay caught leg before wicket. Churchill was also trapped in front, by Zac Reimer (1-15) before Tim Lowe (16 not out) and Shaun Grenfell (4 not out) saw Orange City through to stumps.
“I’d like to have only been one, maybe two down but even so the guys who batted did a good job and we’re in a position to win now,” Rogan said.
“We batted with intent, but valued our wickets which we haven’t done at times this year, so that was good to see especially at a pretty tricky time to bat.
“We just need to cash in now.
“The game’s in the balance but we’re quietly confident.
“Centrals probably might be too though, so it’ll be a really big second day.”