TODAY marks the opening day of Orange District Cricket Association’s first two-day round, and Centrals skipper Jake Pauletto couldn't be happier.
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The red and blacks suffered a disappointing loss to Kinross in the 50-over form of the game two weeks ago, and Pauletto said his side gains unmeasured confidence in the longer form of the game.
“We’ve got a few batsmen who love to hang around, and just bat for time so I think starting the two-dayers early is a massive advantage for us,” Pauletto said.
Centrals takes on Cavaliers today, and next Saturday, and despite his confidence Pauletto said his side will give the reigning premiers the respect they deserve, even if they haven’t played a game yet.
Pauletto said his side is looking to bounce back from its first up loss, but, it will have to do so without strike bowler Dan Sandford.
“They’re the benchmark,” Pauletto said of Cavaliers.
“But we need to bounce back and this would be a pretty good side to do it against. It might be their first run but they’re still dangerous.
“Sanga is a big loss, he bowled beautifully last game and we will miss him,
“But we’ve still got Patty (Russell) and (Mark) Wiegold to lead us around, I think a couple of other guys might just need to take on a bit more responsibility with the ball.”
Cavaliers new skipper Stu Middleton said he is confident his maroons can start their season in a positive fashion.
“We’d like to start with a bit of a bang, but in saying that we still have a few guys out,” Middleton said.
“We’re trialling a few young blokes, so hopefully they grab the opportunity with both hands.
“Centrals have a good core, if their top order gets runs normally they put a big score on. But, as we know, anything can happen on the day.”
Play starts at 1pm.“