Two from two.
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That’s Orange City’s goal as the Warriors gun for both the Orange District Cricket Association second and third grade titles this weekend, they’ll play Gladstone and Wanderers respectively.
The greens’ second graders will have to overcome an ordinary grand final record to win that trophy though.
Orange City has never had trouble progressing to the reserve grade grand final, that much is clear considering this weekend will be the club’s 11th consecutive appearance.
For a long time, the Warriors had no trouble winning either. Orange City is far and away the most successful second grade side in ODCA history with 16 titles.
Just four of them have come in the last 10 years though, despite the greens often dominating throughout the regular season.
Orange City skipper Jamie Stedman acknowledged the record isn’t great but with player turnover, it’s hard to buy into that sort of statistic.
“We’re pumped for this weekend, but very reserved and equally cautious,” he said.
“Gladdy is a great side with plenty of experience and any number of blokes that can take the game away from you.
“They didn’t make it this far by accident and I knew last weekend if we could beat Cavaliers we’d be facing them and not the Rockchoppers (CYMS, who Gladstone beat in the semi-finals).
“But the best thing about playing Gladstone is we know it will be tough cricket on the field, with plenty of enjoyment and friendship off it. That’s the main thing about these lower grades.
“It should be fun.”
Gladstone won last year’s decider by just 11 runs, making for a juicy rematch this weekend – which kicks off at Jack Brabham 2 at 1pm on Saturday – especially considering Orange City has taken the chocolates all three times the sides have met this summer.
In third grade, Wanderers are favourites to redeem themselves after last year’s decider loss to Waratahs.
The two sides have only met twice this summer, the first two games were washed out, and have shared the spoils, but the Warriors have been inconsistent while Wanderers have been dominant.
The latter side claimed the minor title to the Warriors’ third finish.
The third grade grand final kicks off at 1pm on Saturday, at Jack Brabham 1.