ORC struck four times before stumps last week, but the Tigers will be looking for more Bathurst City victims in the opening overs on Saturday to turn up the pressure on their Bathurst District Cricket Association rivals.
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It is no secret the Tigers struggled with the two-day portion of the first grade draw last season, but Wayne Sellers’ men are in a good position to at least earn first innings honours over Bathurst City.
Last Saturday at George Park the Tigers made 239 and went on to have Redbacks 4-80 at stumps.
“It’s pretty even, if not we are slightly ahead because we’ve got them four down. It is a big mental edge if anything going into this week,” Sellers said.
“Charlie [Coggan, 2-20] bowled amazing, he bowled a couple of good short balls. It was pretty scary actually, I’m glad I wasn’t batting.
“He hit a couple of fellas, John Rudge, he hit him in the chin and then clean bowled him next ball.”
Joey Coughlan (22 not out) and Matt Willis (17 not out) will resume the chase for Redbacks on Saturday, while the defending champions have the likes of Ben Orme, Greg Adams and Trent Hemsworth still to come.
It means Sellers will be motivating his side to strike early and build from there.
“I think two more quick wickets and we’ll be right on top. We dropped Joey Coughlan off a very, very hard chance, but if we get one or two of them this week, that puts us right on top,” he said. “If we can match it with Redbacks, or even beat them in the first game, I think that would send a bit of a message.”
