City Colts skipper Matt Stephen fell just short of a century, scoring 93, as he helped steer his team to a first innings win over ORC on Saturday, in Bathurst District Cricket Association first grade.
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At the end of the first day, Colts had already scored 5-123 in reply of ORC’s 242 runs.
Stephen had already scored 21 runs, alongside Campbell Morris’ four runs to start Saturday at Loco Oval.
He went on to score another 72 runs, while Morris was dismissed for 15 runs.
Overall, Stephen was impressed with the team’s batting.
“It was a hard fought win,” he said.
“We got there in the end.
“We’ve been focused on batting. Our batting is where we’ve let ourselves down in the past and we’ve spent time on improving it.
“Everyone got a go with the bat. It was a real team effort.”
Stephen’s 93 was not the highest total across the match, as Hitchick hit 122 in the first innings and scored 54 runs in his second innings.
Colts were eventually bowled out for 280 runs off 59.5 overs.
In ORC’s second innings, they belted 7-281 off 40 overs.
Trent Fitzpatrick topped scored with 84 runs, while Brad Glasson also made 61 runs.
“ORC had nothing to lose. They came out and hit the ball hard,” Stephen said.
“David Hitchick done it again against us, scoring 54. He scored a century against us in the first innings.
Everyone got a go with the bat. It was a real team effor
- City Colts skipper Matt Stephen
“He’s a big loss to Bathurst cricket. He can only play two games a season with his family life and work commitment. I have huge respect for him. Family life is always more important.”
Hitchick’s only other first grade century was also against Colts in the 2016-17 season, when he scored 125 runs.
“I did ask him to play someone else but that’s how it goes,” Stephen laughed.
With the temperature pushing 35 degrees on Saturday, Stephen said the heat played a part.
“It was a hot, long day,” he said.
“It was nice to walk away with the win and the bonus points.
“I don’t really look at the ladder. I play it drinks to drinks. As long as the boys enjoy themselves and play good cricket, I’m not worried.”
The win is Colts’ fourth win of the season, equal with St Pat’s Old Boys and Bathurst City, who also played each other on Saturday.
The three teams have also lost the same amount of games, with two, after 12 rounds.
Stephen said he enjoys playing ORC.
“It’s always a good game. I always like to play ORC. They play similar cricket to us and they always try their guts out,” he said.
“At the end of the game, we all shake hands and get together and have a beer afterwards.”
Next up for Colts is a two-day clash with Rugby Union at Loco Oval on January 27 and February 3.
