Last weekend, St Pat’s Old Boys were keen to get onto the field after its first round win.
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But due to a washout, the Saints had to wait another week, but that has made them even keener, according to captain Adam Ryan, to take on ORC this Saturday in Bathurst District Cricket Association first grade.
Saints were in prime form the last time they played, on October 14, when they beat Rugby Union by 61 runs.
Saints skipper Adam Ryan said his side’s batting was on song against Rugby.
“Our strength is our batting. It was excellent [when we played Rugby] and we’re hoping for the same against ORC,” he said.
“ORC have a strong line-up and we’ll need to work hard in the field. We’ll need to bowl tight and not let to many easy runs get past.
“We’ve been working on our consistency. We need to make sure we bowl our lines, bowl not to many sundries and play the ball as we see it.”
Nic Broes led the way with the batting against Rugby in round one, belting the only century of the season so far.
His 111 with the bat was his maiden first grade century.
While Broes played well, Ryan praised the effort of fellow rising star Connor Slattery.
“He played really well with the bat and then backed it up in district the next day.
“Derryn Clayton is back for us. He’ll be very valuable in the middle order.”
School cricketers Ben Parsons, Bailey Brien and Ben Mitchell will not play this weekend, which means Clayton, David Cant and Mitch Taylor will all come into the squad.
“Dave will be our opening batsman. Derryn will help us out in the middle order, getting some fast runs when needed,” Ryan said.
“Mitch will take on the opening bowling duties. He’s left handed and it’ll be different to have him bowling into the right side.”
Saints’ opponents – ORC – are without a win this season however only one round of cricket has been played.
Tigers are coming off a first round six-wicket loss to Bathurst City and they will looking to bounce back against Saints.
Wayne Sellers was the best with the bat on that day, scoring a team high of 38 runs.
Clint Bryant was the only other Tigers batsman to hit over 20 runs, finishing with a total of 24 before he was out by leg before wicket.
Ryan may be weary of the Tigers but is looking forward to an enjoyable game.
“It would be really good to consolidate our form after our first game,” he said.
“However, we have to be mindful of team who who lost in the first round.”
St Pat’s Old Boys will play ORC at The Scots School, with play expected to get underway at 1.30pm.