RAY Doolan has possibly scored the most runs in Orange cricket history in a calendar year yet he is reluctant to agree he could surpass Jack Moroney’s 50-year-old record for most runs scored in a season.

Doolan has had a remarkable 2009 with the bat, one which started with a flurry of centuries in Orange District Cricket Association first grade.

The Waratahs captain scored five centuries in the second half of last season as he amassed a phenomenal 754 runs after the Christmas break.

He has made 513 runs in the first half of this season to top the first grade run-scorers list heading into the break, with an unbeaten double ton against Centrals a highlight.

That equates to 1267 runs in first grade during 2009, which surpasses Moroney’s tally of 1183 runs scored during the 1959/60 season while playing for Pinnacle Road.

Doolan did not expect his amazing run of form from last season to continue this campaign.

“Probably not to that extent,” Doolan said. “It’s been a fair 12 months.

“You just go out there and try not to get out.

“Over a calendar year, it’s a pretty big chunk of runs.

“To be up amongst that amount of runs is a good achievement.”

Records have only been kept by season, so Moroney’s tally of 1183 still stands as the highest amount amassed in a single season in Orange cricket.

Moroney’s runs were scored in 19 innings and came at an average of 73.90, while Doolan’s 513 runs this season have been scored in seven knocks at an average of 85.50.

Doolan will need to score at least 671 more runs to break Moroney’s record and while that is 83 runs less than he scored in the same period last season, the Waratahs No.3 has dismissed suggestions he could push for the record.

“The moment you start thinking about that you’ll have a bad run,” he said. “It’s unlikely to be given a nudge I’d say.”

The right-hander largely credits flat pitches helped by dry conditions for his healthy tally of runs this season, which is 106 ahead of second-highest run-scorer, Cavaliers captain Richie Venner, who has scored 407 runs.

Orange City skipper Matt Findlay (400) has also reached the 400-run mark, while CYMS opener Ben Radnedge (368) and Mick Walker from Centrals (331) round out the top five batsmen this season.

“I think the weather has been drier first half of this year and I think there is a lot more runs on offer,” Doolan said.