However, when play resumes in the two-day first grade match at Morse Park 1 this Saturday, ORC will be fighting to avoid defeat.

After a middle order collapse, Bathurst City hauled themselves back into the contest by posting a total of 185. The defending premiers then went into a position of strength by reducing ORC to 5-28 at stumps.

“Very disappointing how the day ended,” Fitzpatrick said. 

“I was happy with the effort with the ball – Clint Bryant, Charlie Coggan and Trent Fardon were excellent – [but] we can’t see to get it right with the bat and ball in one game.”

What does make ORC’s 5-28 look slightly better is that Trent Fardon batted up the order. Wayne Sellers – who made 82 earlier this season – is still to come.

Bathurst City captain Matt Willis is aware ORC still has batting threats as well, but is certainly happy with how Redbacks are positioned heading into day two.

"To be fair, the batters they held back can all make runs, but I am very happy with where we are at, I'll certainly take it,” Willis said.

"They just kept sending out nightwatchmen hoping that would get them to the end, but we kept getting them out.

“They certainly won a majority of the day, but for us winning that last session really put us on top.

"Ollie Simpson [39 not out] was brilliant with the bat for us. He's actually the captain out at Scots for their first XI. When he's not playing out there we try to get him for us, he's mostly been playing second grade, but after the last two weeks he won't be playing second grade anymore.”

ORC will have Joe Lemmich return this Saturday after playing with the Bathurst under 19s last weekend. He replaces Trent Fardon.

Redbacks will also have one change.

"The only change for us is Mark Day comes in for Jaiydn Hutchings. If anything that will probably make us a bit stronger, especially with our batting,” Willis said.

“It is a bit of a shame Jaidyn didn't get bowl though.”