ORANGE CITY MAKES A STATEMENT
Just when the two-time premiers looked down and out, they rise from the ashes.
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Orange City had seemingly lost its mojo a fortnight ago and was a genuine chance to slip into third position before the finals series.
But, if you're wanting to hit form in 2020-21, all you need to do is run into City Colts.
Ed Morrish's Warriors wiped the floor with the slumping side, earning an outright victory and leapfrogging St Pat's Old Boys into first spot.
They did need some help from Rugby Union as it was able to give the former ladder leaders their first loss of the season but still, most wouldn't have predicted Orange City to win the minor premiership a month ago, now they'd be favoured to do so.
St Pat's Old Boys concludes its season with an away match against Centrals and if they're able to gain an outright win over the red and blacks, would likely finish in first... but that's a tall order.
MICK HUTCHINSON HAVING A CRACKING CAMPAIGN
As a player, it's easy to slide under the radar when your team isn't travelling all that well.
In the case of Centennials Bulls' Mick Hutchinson, that's exactly what's happened.
His side is plotting along in seventh position and is well and truly out of finals contention, but he's having a sensational season with the ball in-hand.
The in swinger is fresh off a five wicket haul against perennial contenders Cavaliers as he played a key role in the round 12 boilover against Cavaliers.
After starting the season with just two wickets in his first five outings, Hutchinson has turned things around, taking 15 wickets in his last six showings.
He ranks fifth in the competition in wickets taken with 20, and also has a round eight 50 against Kinross.
While Blake Aubin deservedly receives the most praise when pundits chat about Centennials Bulls, Mick Hutchinson's name ought to be featured more prominently.
LARKIN OVERCOMES INJURY IN MEMORABLE KNOCK
Ask anyone in the region about James Larkin and they'll say the same thing... the bloke can play cricket.
The 28-year-old scored 129 runs against CYMS in round 12, an effort that almost gave the students an improbable win over the green and golds.
He whacked 21 boundaries in the knock but what made it even more impressive was the injury he had to overcome.
After he eclipsed 50 runs, Larkin decided to take his helmet off and play a sweep shot.
- READ MORE: Bathurst Orange Inter District Cricket: How your team fared on day two of round 12
- READ ALSO: Bathurst Orange Inter District Cricket: Rugby Union wins an instant classic match against St Pat's Old Boys
- READ ALSO: Royal Hotel Cup: Rugby Union advances to the decider with a 31-run win over Orange CYMS
Instead, the all-rounder copped a bouncer to the eye that cause immediate swelling.
Larkin picked up the pace from that moment onward, knowing if he stayed out there for too long, his eye would close over.
By the time he was dismissed a run shy of 130, he could barely see.
DAVE HENDERSON'S ACTION-PACKED SUMMER
Dave Henderson has bowled 175 overs for City Colts in 2020-21.
That's 23 overs more than anyone in the competition. The Bathurst star has enjoyed a great season in the Western Zone Premier League, but make sure you're taking note of his numbers at BOIDC level.
He's taken 11 wickets in his last five showings and registered nine maidens in the round 11 tilt against Bathurst City.
There's only been a couple of players on that roster who have performed up to par, and Henderson's one of them.
Without him and Russell Gardner, who knows where they'd be positioned.
THACKRAY'S CONSISTENCY PROVES PIVOTAL
The theme of this week seems to be Bathurst bowlers.
Jeremy Thackray is another bloke who's flown under the radar this summer
The Rugby Union quick has been scintillating in recent times as he's played a huge role in his side's move up the ladder.
But, what he did against St Pat's Old Boys was truly sensational.
The big man turned in a stat sheet of 5/33 as he piled up 10 maidens in the three-run victory.