Western Zone moved on from a shock opening day defeat at the NSW Country Cricket Colts carnival and swiftly got itself back into the title race on Tuesday.
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Western was handed a hefty five-wicket loss on Monday but returned to form the following day, earning a bonus point in a crushing win over ACT Southern District.
“We didn’t go too hard (on the boys) at the meeting (after Monday’s loss),” coach Garth Dean said.
“We just spoke about some different decisions they could make and they went out there and turned it around quickly.
“We got the bonus point so we’re back in it.”
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Western will need to win both its Twenty20 matches on Wednesday and defeat Riverina in the final round on Thursday to be any chance of taking out the carnival.
It’s a big ask but it’s something the star-studded Western side is capable of after the “professional” showing against ACT Southern District.
Atlee struck twice early and Tanvir Singh also claimed a wicket as ACT Southern was reduced to 3-18 early on.
Bathurst seamer Martin Rudgley (2-22) kept his side on top during the middle over before Larance took over and tore through the middle and lower order.
The CYMS young gun finished with 4-35 from his 10 overs and he could have had even more wickets after creating numerous chances.
ACT Southern District finished on 133 and with a bonus point firmly in their sights the Western batsmen went about things quickly.
After losing captain Corey McDean (2) early on, Henry Railz (23) and Larance (20) kept things ticking over while opening bat Broes controlled the chase.
All-round talent Broes lifted things late on and his unbeaten knock of 59 from 89 balls featured six fours and two sixes.
Western was five down when it reached the target just two balls before the all-important 30 over mark.
“Nic Broes played very well and did what he had to,” Dean said.
“Even though we lost a few wickets all the batsmen played how they needed to. We needed that four an over to get the bonus point.”
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The attention now turns to Wednesday’s all-important Twenty20 matches against the unbeaten Newcastle and Central Coast.
Dean said he expects his lineup to change little despite the shift in format but with fast bowlers having to be rested for at least one day during the carnival the likes of Atlee and Singh could be saved for Thursday’s final 50-over game.
“There won’t be a whole lot of change. Maybe one or two positional changes but we’ll deal with it,” Dean said.
“The side is pretty well set-up for Twenty20 cricket.”
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
