THE goal for first innings points looks like a tough aim for City Colts to achieve going into the second day of their Bathurst District Cricket Association first grade game against Centennials Bulls but they’ve received a vital boost for that mission.
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The two Colts batsmen who were out in the middle at stumps, Cambell Morris and Izaac Molenkamp, are both absent this Saturday which allows the team to bring in the experienced duo of Tony Clancy and Craig Berry in as direct swaps.
Clancy and Berry have a daunting task on their hands, chasing another 48 runs with just two wickets in hand, on a Sportsground deck where runs have been at a premium.
Berry will be lining up first his first match of 2017-18 after playing in six matches last season, where he scored at an average of 52 runs.
Bulls get a handy player of their own coming in for the second week – regular opening bowler Aaron Seymour.
This will be Seymour’s third match of the season, and so far over 2017-18 the Bulls haven’t lost a game he’s taken part in.
The drying wicket will offer some assistance to Colts but there’s still a strong chance the overall match result could be decided on the second innings.
Colts’ Pat Hill said its important for the team to look beyond the first innings.
“Last week we got ourselves into a really good position then a 4-90 we had a ‘Colts collapse’ of 4-12. Tony and Bez are two good blokes to have at the crease though,” he said.
“If they don’t manage to get the job done then there’s still a lot of bonus points up for grabs. With the ladder the way it is at the moment, being so congested, it means every point we can get is going to be important at the end of the season.”
Just five points currently separate second placed Bulls (22) from Rugby Union (17) at the foot of the ladder.
Should Bulls get the first innings points it will go a long way towards helping them hold a top two spot heading into the mid-season break.
When Colts get the ball back in hand they’ll be determined to deny Centennials that chance.
“We’ve got Matt Stephen in this week so having him there gives us a lot of confidence with the ball,” Hill said.
“Cambell isn’t here for us this week but he did a great job with the ball. Dave Henderson was great and debut and Tony can be steady with the ball too.”
Stephen comes into the team for Dan Casey, who finished with leading figures of 4-43 during the Bulls’ innings.
Bulls are searching for their second win of the season over Colts following their round one success during the one-day series.
