The Orange District Cricket Association representative opener came in at the unfamiliar No.6 spot for the defending premiers on Saturday, but quickly made it his own, hitting a maiden ton to launch the green and golds to the enviable total of 6-289 from the side’s 50 overs.

Having just turned 18, Hannelly is maturing into one of CYMS’ best bats, a position the normally calculated right-hander is relishing.

“I’m figuring it out a bit more as I continue to bat more (at this level),” Hannelly said.

“I’m not the tallest player, but that works in my favour a bit because I’m able to get back on the back foot to some fairly full bowling and just play to my strengths.

“I’m still an opener, but we change it up a bit depending on the game or the situation we’re in.”’

Hannelly entered the crease after the dismissal of Hugh Le Lievre (13), with his side at 3-88 – opening bat Matt Baker retired on 37, with the mercury hitting 40 degrees Celcius in Orange on Saturday.

The heat didn’t deter CYMS diminutive opener-come-middle order blaster though, Hannelly belting 15 fours and a six on route to his first top grade century.

Skipper Hamish Finlayson hit 57 in a late innings cameo, putting on 139 for the sixth wicket alongside Hannelly.

It lifted their side to the commanding total of 6-289 at CYMS’ close of innings.

Cavaliers bowler Greg Martin was the only multiple-wicket taker, bagging Ed Wright (seven) and Le Lievre to finish the tough innings in the sun with 2-38 from eight overs.

In pursuit of quick runs to keep Cavaliers in the hunt, the maroons openers, Ev McCall (27) and John Warrington (19), both fell late on day one to Le Lievre (2-11).

Skipper Matt Corben and the in-form Josh Doherty will resume play next week, needing another 226 runs from 36 overs.

“We’re looking ok at this stage,” Hannelly said.

“Our bowling has been our strength all season. It was nice for the batters to contribute like we did.”