Normally the resumption from school holidays is a time when Kinross struggle to put a full side on the park, but this week when the Orange District Cricket Association kicks back into year across all three grades the students will be gunning for a win.
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Aside from gun bat Phoebe Litchfield, who is in Victoria taking part in Nationals, Kinross will have a nearly full-strength side take to the field at Wade Park on Saturday against Centrals.
“It makes life a lot easier,” Kinross coach Ben Ronald said.
“It’s really good considering a lot of families could be at the beach on holiday but we’re all set.”
Ronald said the match was an excellent opportunity to “start the 2019 side of the calendar strong” against Centrals, who are just two points above them on the ladder and the only side Kinross have defeated in the 2018-19 season.
Combine that with the side being bolstered by the return of opening batter Max Powell and Ronald thinks they’re a huge chance to start 2019 with a bang.
“He’s been one of the players we’ve missed and hopefully he’ll be back and be a bit of a spine for our line-up,” Ronald said.
“If he’s there the rest of our guys can bat around him.”
Powell has missed the past month with a knee injury and made 90 in Kinross’ last game against Centrals, easily chasing down 136 by reaching 201 all-out.
Nic Rassmussen will take Litchfield’s place in the line-up, with the seconds wicketkeeper having “plugged a few holes” in the first grade side this year.
Meanwhile, Cavaliers will be looking to make up ground on Orange City in the other first grade match in the ODCA.
Cavs have had the wood on the second-placed Warriors in their sole match-up this year, but since then City has pulled away, two wins clear of their rivals on the ladder, just two points behind CYMS – who have the bye this week.
However, it’s not something the side has been focusing on, with City skipper Ed Morrish unaware his side were able to leapfrog the ladder-leaders.
He’s been focused on his own squad’s perfomance.
“We’ve been going pretty well and only lost the one game … we’re feeling pretty good, keen to get back into it,” Morrish said.
“Cavs are always are good side.”
City will only be missing Blake Weymouth, who will line up for Penrith in the Green Shield in Sydney.
Both games are 50 overs a side, and both begin at 11am.
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