Winning the first session.
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In day one centurion Mick Hannelly’s eyes, that will be the catalyst for deciding his CYMS side’s Orange District Cricket Association clash against Cavaliers.
The game is firmly in the balance heading into Saturday’s second day of play. Hannelly’s ton – he finished 104 not out – inspired the two-time defending champions to a massive 6-298 from their 50 overs before Cavaliers worked their way to 2-63 in reply, from 14 overs.
Hannelly gave the maroons plenty of praise for their approach at the back end of day one, searching for quick runs to knock as many off the target as possible rather than eyeing survival as their only goal. They require 227 runs to win from 36 overs, or 216 balls.
Ev McCall (27) and John Warrington (19) did that damage on day one, putting on a valuable 47 for the first wicket before the latter was dismissed. Unfortunately for the maroons, the former fell not long after – both to Hugh Le Lievre (2-11).
He also predicted whichever side comes out on top of the first session, the first 17 or 18 overs, will put itself firmly in the box seat to claim first innings points.
“I think it will be a case of which side wins those first 18 or so overs,” Hannelly, who will take the gloves despite reportedly boasting a bang-on Scott Boland impression with the ball, said.
“If we can pick up three of four wickets in that period then I’d say we’ll be looking pretty good to go on and win first innings points.”
He highlighted not out batsmen Josh Doherty and skipper Matt Corben as Cavaliers’ danger men.
If [CYMS] can pick up three of four wickets in that period then I’d say we’ll be looking pretty good.
- CYMS' Mick Hannelly
“Obviously they are the two real key wickets,” Hannelly explained.
“They’ve done the job for Cavaliers plenty of times before and are both in pretty good form. Cavaliers are a very good side, they’ve played good, attacking cricket this summer but I do think we’ve got the bowlers to get the job done.
“If Corbs and Josh happen to be there at the first drinks then, well, it’s probably anyone’s game if they’ve knocked a few off the chase.
“It’ll be an exciting start to the game, we’re looking forward to it.”
Now he’s had a week to reflect on his maiden first grade ton, Hannelly said his confidence at the crease has skyrocketed this summer. He’s been consistent so far, scoring runs across all formats.
“I did have a fair bit go my way last Saturday,” Hannelly admitted.
“I’ve realised I can’t go out there every week expecting to do that, just like I’ve realised how hard you have to work for runs, especially consistent runs.
“In saying that, it’s certainly given me a lot of confidence that I can produce big innings and I can score runs at this level.”
Doherty (12 not out) and Corben (3 not out) will resume Cavaliers’ chase at 1pm, at Country Club Oval.
Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
