CAVALIERS captain Richie Venner was relieved to come away with the points from his side’s Orange District Cricket Association match against Kinross on Saturday.
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The first grade two-day match was reduced to a one-day fixture, with Cavaliers claiming a 19-run win at Riawena Oval.
Venner said neither team were at their best with the bat, with Cavaliers being all out for 131 before Kinross ran out of time at 7-112.
“Neither batting team looked like they wanted to win the game,” Venner said.
“They were happy with one or two an over. They weren’t looking for runs. There wasn’t a great deal of intent from either side.”
Cavaliers batted first and never really built any momentum as they were 9-90 after 32 overs.
Josh Doherty (39), batting at number seven, and number 11 Tom Westcott (5 not out) put on 41 for the final wicket to help Cavaliers to 131.
“We put on 41 for the last wicket, which was a telling factor,” Venner said.
“Josh Doherty and Tom Westcott batted well together.”
Kinross bowled well, with Gus Griffiths taking 3-34 while Sam Nicholls (2-18), Chris Gavin (2-13) and Tom Bristow (1-35) all helped restrict the Cavaliers batsmen.
More Kinross batsmen were able to make starts with Bristow (28), Toby Polkinghorne (22) and Max Dodds (22) all leading the charge.
However, the students didn’t have a run rate to match Cavaliers and finished at 7-112.
Liam Gough took 4-16 from his eight overs to have the best figures from the Cavaliers bowlers.
Litchfield said his players would take plenty from the loss as they contest a Douglas Shield match today in Wagga Wagga.
“It was disappointing to lose the game but the guys will learn a lot from that,” Litchfield said.
“Our fielding and bowling is probably right up to first grade standard. Sam Nicholls bowled well and took one of the best outfield catches I’ve seen. Tom Bristow bowled well and Gus Griffiths took three really valuable wickets.”
Venner said he was happy to take the points but said his side would have to improve when they take on defending champions Centrals in the next round.
“The next two weeks should be good for us. Regardless of where Centrals are on the competition ladder, I still think they’re the best team in the competition,” Venner explained.
“They have guys there who are proven match-winners in the big games. I know we can test ourselves against those guys.”