Last summer Cavaliers skipper Matt Corben had no second thoughts declaring on himself just 22 shy of a double century and after belting an unbeaten 174 last weekend, he said he'll happily do it again if it means giving his side a shot at maximum points.
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Corben laced 26 boundaries at Wade Park on Saturday afternoon and led his side to an incredible, formidable day one total of 6-357, posting the highest individual score of the Bathurst-Orange Inter-District Cricket competition so far.
His 178 not out at the same ground last summer is actually his highest score, but Corben said he's far more concerned with the situation of the game than ticking any individual boxes, even if that means passing up the chance to score a double ton again.
It's just about getting your side into the best position possible to win games of cricket, so that's the priority.
- Cavaliers skipper Matt Corben
"I hit them pretty well," Corben, understated as ever, said.
"I guess I'll have to speak to the guys before deciding whether to declare or bat on, but it was a really flat deck and if we want [maximum points] we're going to have take 20 wickets in a day, that won't be easy if the deck's the same next weekend.
"It's not about individual accolades, that's not why I play the game or why anyone plays, I think. It's just about getting your side into the best position possible to win games of cricket, so that's the priority."
Although stoked with his dig, Corben actually said it was more satisfying to see opening partner Hugh Middleton spend plenty of time in the middle, the youngster smashed 95 as the pair added 178 for the first wicket.
"It was a shame he fell just short of a ton, the only one he missed all day was the one he got bowled from, but it was great to see him get a big score," Corben said.
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Middleton was uprooted by Aquinder Dhillion (2-25) in the 38th over after taking the reins in Cavaliers' opening partnership, he found the boundary 18 times himself, which took care of 72 of his runs.
"It was good to watch," Corben, who was on 70 when Middleton was dismissed, said.
"He really took the attack to the CYMS guys and just smashed them everywhere, we didn't have Bailey (Ferguson) or Kaleb (Cook) on Saturday who obviously bat in that top order so putting together a good partnership and score without them was pretty important."
After sitting in pads for most of the afternoon Cam Laird (12), Mitch Black (5) and boom recruit Charlie Greer (6) failed to get going following Middleton's dismissal, but Corben did find a steady partner in Harry Pearce after he arrived at 4-247.
Corben and Pearce (31) added another 99 for the fifth wicket to really drive Cavaliers' advantage home in the back end of the day, leaving CYMS facing their second 300-plus chase in as many games.
Corben went on to say how much he's looking forward to seeing Greer in action next weekend, while the former Kinross gun is a handy stick, he's far better-known for his seamers and adds 'a big boost' to the maroons' pace stocks.
"It's great to have him on board and Gus Cumming, they both wanted to test themselves at a new club this summer and when they got in contact we jumped through any hoop we had to to get them here," Corben said.
Saturday's opening day proved one for the competition's batters, which is becoming a trend on the hard, flat wickets of Bathurst and Orange.
Bathurst City's Mark Day (129) punched out his maiden top grade ton as Redbacks piled on 243 against Centennials at Bathurst Sportsground, while Connor Slattery finished unbeaten on 120 for St Pat's Old Boys against City Colts at Loco Oval.
Will Luelf also continued his good form for Kinross, he also fell just short of a ton, notching 95 against Centrals at Riawena Oval.
Blake Weymouth (52) and Ben Schofield (54) both made starts at the top for Orange City against Rugby Union, while skipper Ed Morrish (68 not out) and Nathan Rosser (56 not out) remain unbeaten with the opportunity to go big should the Warriors bat on.
In terms of the bowlers Aidan Macauley ran riot for St Pat's Old Boys to take 6-8, while Tyler Horton picked up 4-75 for Centennials.
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