History of the Orange District Junior Cricket Association Incorporated

Prior to 1969, junior cricket was played in Orange, but it was conducted by the schools, and no club teams were involved. There is no record of what ages were involved with the schools competition or how many teams took part in each grade. However, much of it was played mid-week, while the older age group at under 17 was catered for by the ODCA who conducted a “Colts” Grade competition.

In 1969-1970, Constable Bob Hook from the Orange Police Boys Club asked Carl Sharpe if he would organise an under 15 tour to the North-West and North Coast of NSW, staying at Police Boys Clubs. Carl Sharpe did this and Bob Hook and Bill Gainsford took the teams away. Bill was killed in a car accident shortly after, and the PBC donated the William King Gainsford Shield for junior cricket but no one knows where the shield is at the present time.

In 1970-1971, the President of the ODCA, Bruce Casey, saw the need for a separate Junior Association, and he arranged a meeting, and from this the ODJCA was formed with Bruce Casey as President, Terry Rayner as Secretary/Treasurer and Carl Sharpe as Publicity Officer.

The ODJCA specifically concentrated on an under 15 competition, and that first season, we had four teams competing, which were Police Boys Club, Orange City, High School and DeLa Salle. The premiership was won by Orange City under the captaincy of Darrel Rosser. Another northern tour was organised by Carl Sharpe, and was managed by Bob Hook and Laurie Baldwin from the Police Boys Club.

Also in 1970-1971, we were asked to arrange the teams for the Western Districts Competition in Under 12, 14 and 16, and even though we were unprepared for this, we accepted the job, and Carl Sharpe, Terry Rayner and Bob Hook selected and coached the teams and took them away to their matches at Bathurst, Lithgow and Mudgee. We had no competition to guide us, so we just called a day for selection trials, and virtually picked everyone who turned up on the day.

In 1971-1972, the same three people were the office bearers, and Terry Rayner donated a trophy for the most improved junior. Carl Sharpe also organised another junior tour, and Terry Rayner and Laurie Baldwin took this team away. We still had the same four teams taking part in the competition, which was Under 15.

In 1972-1973, Bruce Casey stood down as President, and Carl Sharpe replaced him, while Peter Bowyer as Secretary and Don Mansell Treasurer. We still had an Under 15 competition with four teams competing. They had a lot of travel getting people to help them with the inter-district teams, and Terry and Carl Sharpe usually gave up their Sunday competition games to transport the players with the help of a couple of parents.

In the same year, the schools abandoned a junior competition, and under the guidance of Mr John Clements, a public meeting was called to try and form a Sub-Junior Association. The meeting was highly successful, and the Sub-Junior Association was formed, with John Clements as President, John Mitchell as Secretary/Treasurer, and they called for teams in Under 8, 10 and 12. They received 18 team nominations and the Junior Association changed to an Under 14 competition and received six teams, and also took responsibility to arrange the inter-district teams at Under 10, 12, 14 and 16. Carl Sharpe was the President with Brother Raymund from DeLa Salle was Secretary/Treasurer.

In 1973-1974, the Sub-Junior Association requested that they combine with the ODJCA to make one Association, and at this meeting, Carl Sharpe was elected President, Alan Dowler Secretary, and Bob Stewart Treasurer. The competition was conducted in Under 11, 13 and 15, and 18 teams nominated. Western Districts conducted Under 12, 14 and 16, and they received assistance from Austin Hewitt, Keith Miller, John Mitchell, Ab Cantrill and Michael Carroll, while the actual Junior committee was made up of the three Executive plus Bert Pascoe, Brian Davidson, Terry Rayner, Brother Raymund, Graeme Trethewey, Les Brown, Keith Miller and Ab Cantrill.

In 1974-1975, Carl Sharpe, Alan Dowler and Bob Stewart we re-elected, and we offered competitions in Under 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 and we received 24 teams. The committee consisted of John Mitchell, Brian Davidson, Bert Pascoe, Les Brown, Keith Miller and Ab Cantrill. We also entered teams in the Western Districts Under 12, 14 and 16 and these teams were selected and managed by Carl Sharpe, Alan Dowler and John Mitchell, and were assisted by Peter Kidd and Mike Carroll.

In 1975-1976, Carl Sharpe, Alan Dowler and Bob Stewart were re-elected, and the competition consisted of 25 teams in Under 10,11,12,14, and 15.The committee was Bert Pascoe, Brian Davidson, Les Brown, Jeff Edwards, Ab Cantrill, Greg Dallas, Bruce Gordon, Alan McMaster, Graham McNamara and Peter Murphy. In Western Districts, we competed in Under 10,12,14 and 16, and these teams were selected, coached and managed by Carl Sharpe, Alan Dowler, John Mitchell, Bruce Gordon and Les Brown.

In 1976-1977, Carl Sharpe, Alan Dowler and Bob Stewart were re-elected, and the committee was Greg Dallas, Alan Ralston, John Mitchell, Peter Regan and Ken Pratt. The competition was for Under 11,12,14 and 15 with 24 teams nominated. In Western Districts, we had an Under 12,14, and 16 and Carl Sharpe, Alan Dowler and Les Brown looked after these teams. In 1977-1978, Carl Sharpe, Alan Dowler and Bob Stewart were the Executive and there was no formal committee. The competition was for Under 11, Open Primary, and Under 13, 14 and 15 and 24 teams nominated. Western Districts was Under 11, 13 and 15 and the selectors were Carl Sharpe and Alan Dowler and they received assistance with the teams from Les Brown, Geoff Monk and Gavin Alston.

1978-1979 was a big year. Carl Sharpe and Alan Dowler were re-elected but Bob Stewart stood down and was replaced as Treasurer by Mrs Jan Ogilvie. The committee was Les Brown, Geoff Monk, Gavin Alston, Russ Wicks, Alan Ralston and Graham McNamara. The competition was conducted in Under 11,12,13,14 and 15, and 40 teams nominated. Western Districts was in Under 11, 13 and 15 and Carl Sharpe and Alan Dowler were selectors and were assisted by Peter Regan, Geoff Monk and Chuck Frame.

In 1979-1980, Carl Sharpe, Alan Dowler and Jan Ogilvie were re-elected and the competition was in Under 11,12,13,14 and 15 and there was again an increase in teams, this time with 46, and unfortunately, there was a great lack of workers, and the whole load virtually fell on Carl and Alan, including the three Western Districts teams at Under 11,13, and 15. By the end of the season, Alan and Carl were “burnt out” and did not seek re- election the following year.

In 1980-1981, there was no annual report produced to the ODCA but Russ Wicks was President and Jan Ogilvie was Treasurer.

In 1980-1981, Russ Wicks and Jan Ogilvie were re-elected with no records on who was Secretary (Brother Bernard may have taken on the position). However, the competition was conducted in Under 11, 2 divisions of Under 12, Open Primary, Under 14 and 15 but nominations had dropped to 36 teams. Western Districts was in Under 11,13, and 15 with Russ Wicks and Stuart Gordon looking after the teams.

1982-1983 saw Russ Wicks as President and the competition was in under 11 (2 divisions), Open Primary and Under 14 and 15, with no records on the number of teams. Western Districts was in Under 13 and 15 with the Under 11 deleted.

In 1983-1984, Kevin Giumelli took over as President with Brother Edwards as Secretary/Treasurer. “Average” cricket was introduced, and the other ages were Under 11, Open Primary, Under 13 and 15, and the competition reached an all time high of 50 teams. Teams were entered in Western Districts at Under 13 and Under 16.

In 1984-1985, no report was received, but Kevin Giumelli and Brother Edwards were still the Office Bearers. There were no records on the competition but Western Districts was in Under 14 and 16.

1985-1986 saw Graham Milne elected President, Mike Middleton Secretary and Dave Ferguson Treasurer. There is no record of the number of teams, but the report refers to it as being a “record”. The committee consisted of Brother Gerald as Vice President and John Lomas as Publicity Officer. Western Districts was in Under 14 and 16.

In 1986-1987, Graham Milne was again President, Mike Middleton Secretary and Dave Ferguson Treasurer, with Brother Gerald on the committee with John Lomas. Again there is no records on teams with Western Districts was again in Under 14 and 16.

In 1987-1988, Graham Milne was still President, but Ian Kind was Secretary and Dave Ferguson Treasurer. Brother Gerald was still on the committee. No record of teams or Western Districts.

1988-1989 saw John Lomas elected President, Ian Kind secretary and Dave Field Treasurer with still no record of teams or Western Districts.

1988-1989, the Office-Bearers consisted of Ron Gander President, John Lomas Secretary, and Dave Field Treasurer.

2016-17 saw the introduction of the first Girls Competition, with 4 teams, including two Kinross Wolaroi teams, CYMS and Orange City. LIFE MEMBERS OF THE ODJCA

Terry Rayner 1985 Alan Dowler 1990 Carl Sharpe 1990 Peter Iffland 2004 Matt Tabbernor 2010

OFFICE BEARERS OF THE ODJCA

YEAR PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER TEAMS 1970-71 Bruce Casey Terry Rayner Terry Rayner 4 1971-72 Bruce Casey Terry Rayner Terry Rayner 4 1972-73 Carl Sharpe Peter Bowyer Don Mansell 4 1973-74 Carl Sharpe Alan Dowler Bob Stewart 18 1974-75 Carl Sharpe Alan Dowler Bob Stewart 24 1975-76 Carl Sharpe Alan Dowler Bob Stewart 25 1976-77 Carl Sharpe Alan Dowler Bob Stewart 24 1977-78 Carl Sharpe Alan Dowler Bob Stewart 24 1978-79 Carl Sharpe Alan Dowler Jan Ogilvie 40 1979-80 Carl Sharpe Alan Dowler Jan Ogilvie 46 1980-81 Russ Wicks Jan Ogilvie 36 1981-82 Russ Wicks David Allen Jan Ogilvie 36 1982-83 Russ Wicks David Allen 1983-84 Kevin Giumelli Bro. Edwards Bro. Edwards 50 1984-85 Kevin Giumelli Bro. Edwards Bro. Edwards 1985-86 Graham Milne Mike Middleton Dave Ferguson 1986-87 Graham Milne Mike Middleton Dave Ferguson 1987-88 Graham Milne Ian Kind Dave Ferguson 1988-89 John Lomas Ian Kind Dave Field 47 1989-90 Ron Gander John Lomas Dave Field 53 1990-91 Cliff Shepherd John Lomas Dave Field 45 1991-92 Cliff Shepherd John Lomas Dave Field 38 1992-93 Mark Brown John Lomas Dave Field 47 1993-94 Mark Brown John Lomas Dave Field 48 1994-95 Mark Brown David Nicholls Cliff Shepherd 46 1995-96 Cliff Shepherd David Nicholls Dave Field 46 1996-97 Peter Iffland David Nicholls Jenny Ferguson 44 1997-98 Peter Iffland David Nicholls Jenny Ferguson 47 1998-99 Peter Iffland David Nicholls Jenny Ferguson 48 1999-2000 Peter Iffland Rob Emerson Jenny Ferguson 54 2000-01 Peter Iffland Malcolm Kerslake John Dowler 45 2001-02 Terry Laybutt Malcolm Kerslake John Dowler 47 2002-03 Terry Laybutt Malcolm Kerslake John Dowler 47 2003-04 James Cunynghame Matthew Tabbernor John Dowler 44 2004-05 John Hannan Matthew Tabbernor John Dowler 43 2005-06 John Hannan Matthew Tabbernor Andrew Grady 47 2006-07 Steve Warrington Matthew Tabbernor Andrew Grady 45 2007-08 Steve Warrington Matthew Tabbernor Andrew Grady 48 2008-09 Steve Warrington Matthew Tabbernor Paul Little 46 2009-10 Steve Warrington Matthew Tabbernor Paul Little 50 2010-11 Steve Warrington Steve Ryan Scott Larsen 46 2011-12 Nick Cooper Steve Ryan Scott Larsen 45 2012-13 Nick Cooper Steve Ryan Scott Larsen 42 2013-14 Nick Cooper Gerard Hannelly Steve Ryan Scott Larsen 2014-15 Nick Cooper Gerard Hannelly Matt Winslade David Cumming 2015-16 Angus Wilson Matt Winslade Scott Larsen David Cumming 2016-17 David Cumming Matt Winslade Jo Hunter (Registrar) Greg Seib 46

Let’s get it together

BY SAM BARTLETT 06 Sep, 2001 07:38 AM TO make ‘cricket available to all, as an enjoyable and worthwhile activity’ is the vision of newly appointed Orange and District Cricket Association president Michael Middleton. Elected to the position at the ODCA annual general meeting on Tuesday night, Middleton has a number of objectives he intends to implement to improve the Orange cricket scene. One of these goals is to amalgamate the Orange’s junior association with the ODCA. "My plan is to transfer any management skills I have picked up over the last 30 years as an occupational health and safety management consultant into the (president’s) role, in an effort to develop a stronger, more committed Orange and district cricket community," Middleton said yesterday. "I think the future of Orange cricket is the amalgamation of the junior and senior associations and no one so far has convinced me that shouldn't happen." Also on Middleton's agenda is the improvement of local facilities, and the refinement of selection processes to coincide with the restructuring of the Western Zone competitions. "Cricket in Orange has been bubbling along for a while now and a lot of the time we don't put the best rep side on the field that we can, so to get the top 11 players in Orange on the field is an objective," he said. "There's been some important changes made to Western Zone cricket such as in the NRMA Cup that makes for some exciting intra-state cricket. "We have to make sure Orange rep teams are well supported and looked after when they play away and we've got a better chance to get the best players when that happens." Changes also made at the meeting for the season beginning October 6 include having third grade matches run from 12.30pm to 6pm instead of 1.30 to 6.30. One innings only will be allowed per team for second and third grade matches, and no bonus points will be given for one day matches in the two local grades. The successful Colts Carnival will again be held over the Australia Day long weekend.

9-2, just for something different

BY SAM BARTLETT 13 Nov, 2001 08:15 AM

ADDING a little variety to his attack was the secret behind Orange under 12 off spinner James Dowler’s incredible 9-2 against Mudgee on Sunday at Mudgee. Dowler was a force unto himself with the ball in Orange’s 62-run win, taking the first four wickets for two runs before having a spell, and then taking the final five which included a hat-trick and two caught-and-bowleds. At the hands of Dowler Mudgee was left with a dismal total of 61, way short of Orange’s first innings 8/123. The haul was a performance that left everyone including Dowler shocked, but he added it was trying a “few different things” that led to the wickets. “It felt good but I didn’t think I could do it,” he said. “I just bowled full and tried a few different things and it paid off. “I tried a few different balls - I tried a couple of wrong ‘uns, they look like off spin but come out leg spin, and I got one wicket with one of them and a couple of straight balls,” he said. Sunday’s match was the second for Orange in the Mitchell junior competition, after they earlier defeated Lithgow by 102 runs in which Dowler was also a significant player taking 3-5. The next match for Orange will be against Bathurst at Bathurst on December 2 and, while Dowler concedes his recent haul may be a one-off, he expects another big win. “Bathurst are a good side and they might not know what’s coming,” he said. Western to reap benefit of Sands' experience

BY SAM BARTLETT 22 Nov, 2001 08:25 AM

HAVING five players with a bit of experience under their belts will put Western Zone under 16s on a better footing for this year's Bradman Cup according to team member Jacob Sands. The only player from Orange selected in the team, allrounder Sands is in his second year of selection along with captain Lloyd Shepherd (Dubbo), Trent Copeland (Bathurst), Sean Dean (Bathurst) and Ricky Medway (Dubbo). The players are all members of the zone’s Emerging Players squad which has trained during the off-season. This retention of experience is what Sands believes will help Western Zone to a better showing this year, after a disappointing result last year where it scored only one win in the tournament, against North Coast. "We've got a better side,” Sand said referring to this year’s team. "The quality is pretty good (in the zone training squad) and whoever they picked, it still would have been a good side. It will be a lot better this year because five of us from last year are in it again, so it's a bit more experienced," Sands said. "(The experienced players) should lead the way, they've been there before and know how tough it is, they know how to handle it at that level. "I think I'll go alright - I'll just try to be consistent and work real hard." Western Zone's first match is a lead- up against Northern Riverina on Sunday, December 9 at Temora, a side that last year also had some disappointing results. But Sands believes there will be no easybeats and Western will face its biggest test when it comes up against arch-rivals Southern Zone. " (Riverina) went pretty average last year but any team playing at this level will still be a pretty good side, but we are pretty confident,” he said. "Probably Southern Zone will be the hardest - they've always been our rivals and I think they won it last year." The tournament will take place in the Tamworth area from January 7 to 10 with matches against Far North Coast at Tamworth, Hunter Valley at Quirindi, Illawarra at Tamworth and Central North also at Tamworth.The final will be played on Friday, January 11 at Tamworth between the winners of Pool A and Pool B and the winner of the carnival will then play the winners of the Sydney AW Green shield at Bradman oval in Bowral on February 24.

WESTERN ZONE U16s: Lloyd Shepherd (c) (Dubbo), Ryan Drew (Dubbo), Trent Copeland (Bathurst), Sean Dean (Bathurst), Chris Morton (Dubbo), Steven Webster (Nyngan), James Henry (Mudgee), Jacob Sands (Orange), Shane Medley (Dubbo), James Taylor (Warren), James Glenday (Dubbo), Ricky Medway (Dubbo), Orion Dowler (Bathurst), Robert Dean, manager (Bathurst) and coach Max Shepherd (Dubbo).

Sullivan stays positive BY SAM BARTLETT 06 Dec, 2001 08:51 AM

ORANGE’S sole Western Zone Colts representative Allen Sullivan may not know what to expect of the Southern Zone series opposition, but having a variety of attacking options in the team’s corner has countered the uncertainty. Sullivan makes his second consecutive appearance for Western Zone Colts starting tomorrow after last year’s side took out the series. This year’s selection complements a distinguished representative career for the wicket-keeper/batsman which began back in the under 12s playing for Orange. Other representative stints for Sullivan include Western Zone under 17s, Western Area Combined High Schools, Mitchell all age and under 21s and Orange’s NRMA Cup side. From this back catalogue and considering he took four catches for Mitchell against Lachlan in the Western Zone under 21 carnival on November 24-25, Sullivan seems a safe bet keeping wickets for Western Zone. And having a well varied attack puts a positive spin on his expectations of the series at Wollongong. “We can bat right through all the way down the order, we’ve got left and right arm fast bowlers and spinners - we’ve got pretty much everything. It’s a well-rounded team,” Sullivan said. “The fact that most of us have played together or against each other, we know a bit about each other’s play. Even with the new blokes we don’t know about it doesn’t take long to get into the groove of things.’’ Word of mouth has branded Riverina the team most likely to trouble Western Zone. “Brad Cox (Dubbo) will be one important player (for us) and Ryan Bannerman (Lithgow) another,’’ Sullivan said. “It’s his (Bannerman’s) first time as captain and if it’s any indication how he went at Forbes he should go well, he handled himself quite well.” Medium pacer Peter Fairall is out of the Western side with a groin injury, replaced by Dubbo’s Matt Finlay. Western plays Southern tomorrow, followed by Riverina and Illawarra before a Southern NSW Country Colts side is picked to play Northern in the Combined Country Trial at Orange on January 19/20.

WESTERN ZONE COLTS: Ryan Bannerman (c), Allen Sullivan, Luke O’Reilly, Scott Paterson, Steven Knight (Mitchell), Will Lindsay, Brad Cox, Mitchell O’Connor, Ben Taylor, Matt Finlay (Macquarie), Nick Berry, Tim Berry (Lachlan).

McIntosh Shield in Canobolas’ hands

07 Dec, 2001 09:45 AM CRICKET, CANOBOLAS Rural Technology High School has won the Dale McIntosh Shield for years seven and eight students., The annual 25 overs per side competition between Orange’s high schools was reduced to three teams this year with Kinross not taking part., Canobolas won both of its matches against Orange High and James Sheahan., Orange High was bundled out for 50 with TJ Cunynghame (16) the top scorer., Mark Laybutt did the damage with the ball with 4-4 from four overs, while Cameron Ferrier (3-12 off five) and Jeff Miskell (2-7 off three) also bowled well., Canobolas lost only two wickets in passing Orange High’s total in the 12th over with George Olsen retiring on 30 and Laybutt unbeaten on 10., Sheahan made Canobolas work harder by scoring 96, a total Canobolas reached in the 19th over with four wickets in hand., Daniel Hannan (19) and Sam Fitzgerald (13) were the main Sheahan scorers, while Corey Leatham (3-21) and George Olsen, who took 1-4 off five overs, prospered with the ball., Lincoln Duncan steered Canobolas past the target with an unbeaten 31 while Laybutt made 18 before being run out., ,

Pontings bow to Calare attack

11 Dec, 2001 08:36 AM UNDER 11

Calare v Orange City Pontings - CALARE scored an impressive win over Orange City Pontings at Cutcliffe oval. Pontings won the toss and elected to bat first and were soon in trouble against the tight, accurate Calare bowling attack. Runs were hard to come by and the pick of the bowlers for Calare were Michael Ryan (2-1) and Chris Smee (2-6) with Sam Hodgkinson and Duncan McLean taking a wicket each. Calare’s fielding was exceptional and resulted in three good runouts and two catches. When Calare batted, Terry Kastrounis (7) and Josh Wright (6) provided a quick opening partnership of 15 and this was backed up by Sam Hodgkinson (10), Tom WIlliamson (7) and Joey Currall (3). KWS McGraths 9-81 v SJS Tandy Welding 9-76. Tandy Welding were narrowly defeated by McGraths in a thrilling encounter at Mulholland Park on Saturday. KWS were sent in to bat and were soon in trouble, losing wickets in quick succession. The SJS bowlers turned in their best performance of the season, taking 8/81. Nicholas Wright was the main contributor with 3/6 from his three overs of accurate off spin. Aaron Iffland again showed his skill with the ball returning the figures of 2-12 for SJS. Other wicket takers were Andrew Brind (1-10), Saul Sangwidge (1-10) and Jacob Farrell (1-4). The fielding was of the highest standard with no boundaries conceded due to the efforts of Luke Dunn, Matthew Larking, Luke Tandy and William Thompson. Wicket keeper Luke Sullivan was sharp behind the stumps, executing a well-time stumping. However Angus Calder (11) and Mitch Critoph (14 n.o.) held the innings together for Kinross and they were ably supported by Edward Arnott (6) and Tom Fenton (8 n.o.) who swung lustily in the final over to reach 9/81. SJS began their innings in similar style to KWS, losing early wickets due to some excellent bowling from David Holmes, Tom Fenton, Samuel Frong and Edward Cranswick. SJS were in trouble at 8/32 but then fought back to creep closer to the total.

A dramatic batting collapse had SJS at 8/32 after 10 overs with only Jacob Farrell (6), Dominic Aldis (3), Nicholas Wright (3) and Josh Lynch (2) from the top order troubling the scorer. A fighting ninth wicket partnership of 34 runs from Luke Sullivan and Saul Sangwidge put SJS back in the match. After the dismissal of Sangwidge, SJS needed seven runs from the final over but quality bowling made run scoring difficult. Luke Sullivan, who remained 16 not out, played a responsible innings and received good support from number 11 batsman Andrew Brind. SJS finished their innings on 9/76. Int was the controlled bowling of David Shaw, Tim Holmes, Sam McLean and Mitch Critoph that led to SJS falling five runs short. Some great fielding by Matthew Pritchard and a classic catch by Fenton also helped.

Orange City Gilchrists v SJS Newey’s - GILCHRISTS lost the toss and were sent in to bat with Jackson Coote making a fine 34 n.o. Luke Welsh hit up a solid 28 and Mitch Rosser made a quick 12. Gilchrists suffered a batting collapse in the middle order with five batters out for only two runs. Scotty Rosser then came out with some quick scoring at the end, helped out by Sam Adams and the innings finished at 136. Gilchrists started their bowling well with Scotty Rosser (1 for 9), Sam Adams (0 for 8), Tim Jackson (2 for 11) and Jonathan Wassen (2 for 7) all bowling well. Luke Wilson (1 for 0 off three overs) also produced a good run out. All the boy’s once gain had a gallant game without the full team on the field.

SJS clean bowl Kinross batsmen

26 Feb, 2002 07:20 AM UNDER 11

SJS Tandy Welding 6/141 v Kinross 74. - SJS Tandy Welding turned in their best performance of the season in defeating Kinross at Mulholland Park. Winning the toss and electing to bowl on a flat wicket SJS bowled good line and length hitting the stumps on 10 occasions. McGraths lost some early wickets before Davis Shaw (17) and Sam McLean (15) steadied the ship. Andy Thomas (7) returned to form while Mitch Critoph (5) was looking good until he played a ball onto his stumps. Dominic Aldis was the main SJS strike bowler taking 3/13 and Nicholas Wright was almost unplayable returning 3/5. Other successful bowlers were Aaron Iffland 1-2, Luke Sullivan 1-5, Luke Dunn 1-13 and William Thompson 1-16. Luke Tandy returned to his favourite position of wicket- keeper and performed his duties capably. Jacob Farrell saved many runs in the outfield and Saul Strangwidge fielded well at mid wicket. The combination of good bowling and excellent fielding saw Kinross all out for 74. Having to defend a small total KWS were fired up to produce a spirited fightback. SJS started the chase positively with opener Dominic Aldis scoring 24. Nicholas Wright gave the innings further momentum with an unbeaten 31 and Luke Sullivan remained 28 not out. Other good performers with the bat were Jacob Farrell and Matthew Larkin. While the bowling was good and fielding enthusiastic SJS passed the score comfortably. Angus Calder bowled well, ably supported by Andy Thomas. Joshua Player took two wickets and Edward Mitchell took his first wicket of the season. Jim Holmes again bowled well without luck and the ever improving Matthew Pritchard is doing better in each game. Andrew Wilcockson took a great catch, Borjan Kosarac's fielding continues to improve while Edward Arnott again did a great job behind the stumps.

Calare 4/123 v Orange City Ponting 10/62 - Calare captain Tom Williamson won the toss and elected to bat. His batsmen didn't let him down. All batsmen went well and selective shot making was a feature. Josh Wright top scored with 29, Michael Ryan 28no, Zac Doig 19, Kate Hetherington 7, Tom Williamson 6 and Alice Hohn 1no helped Calare to 4-123 off their 25 overs. When Calare took the field, their excellent ground fielding and accurate bowling restricted Ponting to all out for 62 in the 15th over. For Calare, the best bowlers were Zac Doig 2-8, Chris Smee 1-1, Duncan McLean 1-7, Josh Wright 1-7, Joey Currall 1-8 and Terry Kastrounis 1-11. All bowlers bowled well and the fielding was excellent with four catches taken and three run outs affected in what was Calare's best fielding performance for the year. Captain Tom Williamson was again good behind the stumps, stopping everything and assisting in a couple of the run outs and Jade Williams took a good catch.

Champion team clinches Mitchell premiership

06 Mar, 2002 08:10 AM

A BRILLIANT spell of bowling from man-of-the-match Wesley Roweth and an inspiring last wicket partnership between Dom Maley and Chris Lukins helped Orange beat Bathurst by one wicket and clinch the Mitchell under 16 premiership at Bloomfield on Sunday. In an incredible game, Bathurst lost their last eight wickets for 11 runs and Maley and Lukins carried Orange to victory after coming together with 32 runs still needed. Bathurst won the toss and elected to bat resulting in a solid start before opener Lloyd-Green was brilliantly stumped down the leg side by Orange keeper Warren Clunes off the bowling of Brock Duncan for 14 with the total on 34. Orange then applied great pressure on the Bathurst batting bowling nine overs for 13 runs before Roweth claimed the other Bathurst opener Rowe for 22 with the score on 43, caught in the slips by Dom Maley. After this setback Bathurst knuckled down to the task with Trent Copeland (35) and Sean Dean (30) putting on the biggest partnership of the match of 61 runs despite accurate spells of pace bowling by John Mahoney (six overs for eight runs) and Adam Lawrance (six overs for 11 runs). Orange captain Jacob Sands then reintroduced Roweth back into the attack with the result being a brilliant spell of swing bowling with Roweth decimating the Bathurst top order claiming four wickets for five runs in 24 balls. Copeland and Dean were both caught driving in front of the wicket, Mat Johnson went LBW and M Quigley was brilliantly caught by Pat Giuffre in the slips. Roweth's return for the match was 12 overs, four maidens, 5-17. While most of the top order damage was done from Roweth's end Kurt Gander was quietly going about his business from the other end claiming three valuable wickets to return six overs, three maidens, 3-16. Opening bowler Chris Lukins then came back on to deservedly claim the last Bathurst wicket to return seven overs, two maidens, 1-10 to complete an incredible Bathurst collapse from 2-104 to be all out for 115. Bathurst lost an unbelievable 8-11 in the space of 10 overs.As Orange was about to start its innings the team knew it was not going to be easy as Bathurst had successfully defended 116 against Orange in Bathurst. Orange's innings started disastrously losing Warren Clunnes bowled off the first ball of the innings but worse was to follow as Zac Diduszko (2), Jacob Sands (5), Pat Guiffre (4) and Kurt Gander (6) followed to see Orange slump to 5-31. While everyone fell around him Robert Thompson (16) had been looking as safe as a bank until being clean bowled by a great yorker by Matt Johnson to see the score 6-41. Brock Duncan came to the wicket to join Wesley Roweth and these two dug in against the hostile Bathurst bowling before Roweth (22) fell trying to increase the run rate with the score at 7-65. John Mahoney (3) fell to make the score 8-75 and when Brock Duncan went for a well made 22 to leave Orange 9-84 and 32 runs still needed Orange coach Colin Clunes was looking for the Valium (and could not find any). As last man in Boo Lukins strode to the wicket to join Maley 32 runs seemed light years away for the Orange lads but this pair fought like tigers and as the score reached 100 every run was being applauded by the Orange supporters. Lukins (9) stole five brilliant singles to rotate the strike while Maley was placing the ball nicely between the fielders, steadily gathering runs mixed with some lusty hitting. As Orange approached its target of 116 for victory you could hear a pin drop as each ball was bowled. With the score on 114 Maley (25) smashed the ball into the outfield to bring up the winning runs for Orange to win the 2002 Mitchell premiership. During a small presentation after the game Bathurst coach Robert Dean congratulated Orange on their win and said Orange over the years in this age division had developed a great "team" who did not rely on a handful of players with all players contributing. At the after match barbecue coach Colin Clunes and manager Lance Roweth wished the boys well with their senior cricket in years to come. In the seven games played some of the highlights were hundreds to Robert Thompson (174), who scored 300 runs at 75, Warren Clunes (105 and 247 at 35.2) and Jacob Sands (106 and 232 runs at 38.6) with fifties to Clunes, Zac Diduszko, Roweth, Thompson and Sands. The brilliant close-in catching of Michael Foster was a talking point after most games. Every squad member had a bowl during the inter-town series with the most prolific wicket-takers being Wesley Roweth with 15 at 7.00, Brock Duncan 10 at 16.1, Jacob Sands 9 at 11.50 and Kurt Gander 8 at 10.8.

Early start to benefit teams

22 Mar, 2002 07:26 AM

BY holding representative trials at the end of the season, Orange is hoping its junior sides are better prepared for next season's Mitchell representative program. Orange juniors' president Terry Laybutt explained the change would allow teams to train in the winter, if possible, or at the start of next season instead of being behind the eight-ball trying to organise trials once the season starts. He said squads of 12 would be chosen at next week's trials for under 12, 14 and 16 teams with the option of adding to the squads next season. Trials will be held for each age division next Monday and Wednesday at 4.30pm at the Bowen School nets (under 12s), Cutcliffe Oval nets (under 14s) and Riawena Oval nets (under 16s). Orange has enjoyed one of its best ever junior representative seasons with the under 14s and 16s winning Mitchell premierships and the 12s runners-up to Blue Mountains. Leading performers for the Col Clunes-coached under 16s were Robert Thompson (300 runs at 75) and Wes Roweth (15 wickets at 7.00). Brendon Roweth scored 251 runs at 50.2 and wicket-keeper/batsman Jason Ryan 198 runs at 49.5 for the 14s, while skipper Michael Delaney took 15 wickets at 10.46. Peter Delaney was the coach. For the Mark Gardner-coached 12s Sean Gardner was the standout batsman with 405 runs, while JamesDowler took 16 wickets including a sensational haul of 9-2. The juniors' success added to Orange's wins in the Mitchell under 21 and President's Cup competitions.

Hannah's all-round talents continue to shine

26 Mar, 2002 10:13 AM HANNAH Grady typifies the Australian sporting breed of an all-rounder., Dividing her time between tennis, cricket and netball, with a passing interest in softball, Hannah's involvement in the former three sports has yielded many remarkable achievements., Playing in the mixed cricket side Orange City Pontings, which won the under 11 grand final against Gilchrists on Saturday, Hannah, 11, scored a vital 28 runs while collecting a tidy 2-14 with the ball. She also took a brilliant one-handed catch and was yesterday aiming to use her talents to gain selection in the Orange under 12 squad., The following day Hannah again donned the whites but this time took a tennis racket to the Lithgow round robin classic, walking away with first prize in her age group. Her previous wins include the Dubbo Thrifty tournament two weeks ago and the Orange District Tennis Club (ODTC) singles late last year., Hannah's talents in netball are no less glamorous after she gained selection in the Orange state age squad to play various carnivals this year, and she looks certain to flourish after going to the State finals with the Orange Public School team last year., While her talents in each sport seem to be on par, it is with tennis that her allegiances lie., "Because I'm better at it and I've been playing it longer,” she explained simply., Hannah has squeezed playing in the school softball team into her busy schedule but there seems little chance she will try her hand at another sport for the time being., "I don't think I'll do as well (in softball) as I do in the other sports but I'll do fairly well anyway, I hope,” she said., "I've got something on everyday ... but I won't have time to do anything else.”, ,

Sands claims honour a second time

15 May, 2002 07:07 AM

THE Orange Junior Cricket Association stepped away from the usual when it named CYMS player Jacob Sands as its Orange Credit Union player of the year. Despite being Orange's most successful junior when it comes to representative achievements, Sands, 16, didn't play in the local junior competition. Instead, he honed his talents with CYMS Moroneys in the ODCA second grade competition, helping that side win the grade's premeirship. He was also called upon by the club's first grade side for a number of BOIDC matches. While he played his cricket in the senior ranks, Sands turned out with Orange's successful under 16 side which ended up taking out the Mitchell Competition against sides from Mudgee, Bathurst, Lithgow and the Blue Mountains. A handy right-hand batsman who can bowl if called upon, Sands was then picked in the Western Zone side which contested the Under 16 Bradman Cup later in the season. In claiming the 2001-02 season's award, Sands became the first player to win it twice in succession. OJCA president Terry Laybutt described Sands as a worthy recipient of the award. "The award is presented to the junior player that reaches the highest level of representative cricket (in the junior ranks) and this year, that was Jacob,” he said.

Keeping future bright

BY MICHELLE COOK 08 Oct, 2002 06:56 AM

JASON Ryan could go a long way in cricket according to Western Zone coaching director Carl Sharpe. The 14-year-old wicket-keeper batsman will be able to prove his ability this week when he plays for the Western Zone against St George in the under 16 Green Shield competition. "He is a good prospect,” Sharpe said. "He just has a natural flair. He's a wicket-keeper batsman and he has good hands. "The main thing is he's prepared to listen. He's not someone who will just sit back and hope something will happen.” Sharpe can see Ryan moving up the cricketing ranks next year. "His pathway is pretty much set out for him. I'm confident he's a good chance to make the State 17s team next year. "If he keeps going at the rate he is he should have a couple of years at the Western Zone 17s team.” Ryan moved into wicket-keeping when he was not tested enough in the field. "I like wicket-keeping because there's a lot to do,” Ryan said. "I got in to it because I got bored fielding.” The Western Zone 16s face a tough task this week against St George and then the Western Zone 17s but Ryan is confident the 16s will perform well. "We should go all right. We've got a pretty good team. I can't wait.” Sharpe is expecting a high level of competition this week from all players. "These are not your run-of-the mill players,” Sharpe said. "They are the best in the area. The matches will be very competitive. St George has a pretty strong side this year and will be very hard to beat. "The 16s will be a bit underdone. I don't think they're ready for this standard, but the game against the 17s will be very close.” St George will play the Western Zone 16s today, and the 17s on Wednesday for the Brian Booth Trophy. The two Western Zone squads will play each other on Thursday. All games will be played at Kinross Wolaroi.

Dubbo the dark horse

KATE BOWYER 23 Oct, 2002 07:01 AM

ORANGE has the form on the board but Dubbo could be the dark horse when the Mitchell junior representative season kicks off on Sunday. Normally based in the Macquarie competition, Dubbo juniors are following their senior counterparts into the Mitchell ranks this season in a bid to gain a better standard of competition. Orange under 16 coach Terry Laybutt is wary of the new recruits. "A couple of the other coaches don't think they will strong in the age group but I reckon Dubbo will have a real impact,” Laybutt said. Orange dominated the Mitchell competition last season, winning the 16s and 14s titles and finishing runner-up in the 12s and continuing that form is the goal this year. Laybutt's 16s are confident they'll maintain their position at the top, new recruits Jason Ryan, Brendan Roweth and Michael Delaney, from the under 14s, and new caps Pat Russell and Daniel Sandford having few problems fitting in at training. Orange will play the Blue Mountains at the Blue Mountains in this Sunday's first round. In the weeks ahead they'll meet Lithgow, Dubbo, Bathurst and Mudgee. An added boost for the players this year was the handing out of their official Orange baggy caps, awarded to representative players for the first time this season. Laybutt, who is also the Orange junior association president, said. "I reckon if you're good enough to play for Orange you deserve some sort of memento,” he said but he added the cap should be cherished. "It's like Steve Waugh's cap. You only get one.”

Under 16s to tackle Lithgow

15 Nov, 2002 06:57 AM

THIS Sunday Orange under 16 representative cricket team plays Lithgow in Orange after beating Dubbo last Sunday. Orange won the toss in Dubbo and decided to bat. Openers Zac Didusko, 61, and Mark Laybutt, 24, put on 76 for the first wicket. Didusko put on a good partnership with Jason Ryan 14, to get Orange to 2 for 124 but a middle order collapse saw them at 8 for 141. Michael Delaney 37no, combined with Harry Laidsaar 7, and Pat Russell 12, to give Orange a respectable total of 203. Dubbo lost two early wickets with opening bowler Delaney, who finished with 3 for 41, getting Orange off to a good start. Steady bowling restricted the run rate and outstanding fielding saw Orange dismiss Dubbo for 182. Harry Laidsaar took the last two wickets for 2 for 47 while spinners George Olsen 1/17 and Brendan Roweth 1/13 bowled with control. Regular keeper Jason Ryan bowled well for 1 for 19. He also took an outstanding outfield catch.

City at their best.

19 Nov, 2002 09:04 AM Orange City (1/43) versus SJS Canobolas (84) - ORANGE City effected one of their best bowling and fielding efforts to restrict SJS to 84 runs. Orange City got off to a good start with a wicket in Cory Leathem's opening over. Leathem again bowled with good pace and line and ultimately finished with 3-4 from five overs. Other bowlers to impress were Josh Cheney with 1-7 from seven accurate overs, Chris Piper, Eddy Currall and Tom Offner. However, it was James Weale and Adam Kelly who bowled in the middle of the innings who were able to take charge of the game at a vital stage, just as the SJS batsmen were appearing to get on top. Both claimed two wickets and bowled a steady line and length. Players to particularly impress in the field were Nathan Milham and James Dowler backed up by a wholehearted fielding effort from all players. For SJS both Mitchell Bollinger (15) and Scott McDonald (27no) batted well, with Bollinger showing some real grit to recover from a nasty blow to the face. McDonald played well and his innings was a real tribute to his concentration and patience and he fully deserved to keep his wicket intact at the end of the innings. At the close of play, Orange City were 1 for 43, with Shaun Cole the batsman out after contributing 17 runs before being well caught by Mitchell McKenna in the gully area.

Dubbo's youngsters are kings of Western Zone 10 Feb, 2003 08:01 AM Dubbo is the undisputed king of Western Zone under-12 cricket after an exciting 12-run victory over Orange in the Mitchell final yesterday. In the other finals, Orange (4-145) beat Dubbo 144 in the under-14s in Orange, and Orange 16s made it a double when they easily accounted for Bathurst 245 to 140. The Dubbo and Orange under-12s took great delight in playing on Dubbo's premier cricket ground and what a superb game it turned out to be with both sides able to bat out their 50 overs. Dubbo batted first and made 146 and after Orange was in dire trouble at 8-78 Edward Arnott (29 not out) and Mitchell Evers (23 not out) toughed out the last 20 overs but finished just short of the mark at 8-134. Chris Russo was one of the stars for Dubbo with 34 made in 27 overs while Tim Armstrong took on the Orange attack with top score of 42 from 22 scoring shots. This was a fine effort considering the big outfield that yielded just four fours from Dubbo and three from Orange batsmen. Jacob Bruce also did well for Dubbo with 23 while the Orange bowling was steady, especially in the second session of 25 overs when they claimed 8- 74 and came up with three run outs along the way. The Orange run chase started confidently enough when Jayden Gardner (5) and Nick Wright (12) shared an opening stand of 27 runs in 10 overs. But they slumped to 4-34 in the space of two overs as Josh Smith and Jacob Bruce made inroads. At 8-78 in the 30th over the game seemed destined for an early finish but to the credit of Arnott and Evers they did very well and gave it their best shot. Smith finished with the best bowling performance of the day with 3-25 from his eight overs while Bruce's eight overs included four maidens and figures of 1-6.

Junior clash delays final

14 Feb, 2003 07:21 AM

BATHURST will have to wait another two weeks before it attempts to take home its first piece of silverware for the season with this Sunday's Mitchell under 21 final deferred. The under 21 final between Bathurst and Mudgee was scheduled to be played on Sunday, but problems arose when Bathurst qualified to host the final. Mitchell Cricket Council's junior representative games against Lachlan Valley will be played in Bathurst on Sunday, with the under 16 match at the Sportsground and under 12s and 14s will both play at Morse Park. With the Sportsground already booked for Sunday, the under 21 final would have had to be moved to another ground, like George Park, but both teams didn't want that to happen. "Both Bathurst and Mudgee agreed to defer the match by two weeks because they both wanted the prestige of playing on the Sportsground,” Mitchell secretary Sharpe said. The under 21 final will now be played at the Sportsground on Sunday, March 2 and the home side would be favoured to take out the title after going through the season undefeated, including a crushing 150 run victory over Mudgee in their last match. Some of the best young cricketers in Western Zone will meet in Bathurst on Sunday for the annual representative fixture, which last year was played at Cowra. The under 16 side includes Orange wicket-keeper batsman Jason Ryan and all-rounders Brendan Roweth and Michael Delaney. Orange spinner Josh Sands will captain the Mitchell 14s, a side that includes Orange team-mates Sean Gardner, Tobias Cunynghame and Eddie Currall. Orange's representatives in the 12s are Jayden Gardner, Scott Rosser, Tim Holmes, Mitchell Evers and Edward Arnott.

Mitchell under 16s to tour Fiji for first time

26 Feb, 2003 07:05 AM

MITCHELL Cricket Council has arranged an end of season tour to Fiji for under 16 representative players. Fourteen boys will make the tour, which is over 11 days from April 7 to 18. Mitchell players from Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee make up the team, which will play at least six one-day matches. Orange is represented by Jason Ryan, Brendan Roweth, Harry Laidsaar, Michael Delaney and Mark Laybutt, Blue Mountains by Matthew Collins, Lithgow by Todd Costello, Nathan Anthes and Joel Stapleton, Bathurst by Sam Lloyd- Green, Michael Vollebergh and Aaron Seymour and Mudgee by Jayce Croake and Josh Swain. The team's manager is Tim Forde from Wentworth Falls and the coach is Terry Laybutt from Orange. Mitchell Cricket Council secretary Carl Sharpe, of Orange, said that the tour came about as a result of the demise of the under 23 Otago tour, which had been a reciprocal arrangement with Otago since 1969. Otago would not agree to a younger age group after Mitchell were unable to select an under 23 team in 2002. Reluctantly, the long standing tour was abandoned. The council identified the under 16 age group as being one of the most enthusiastic with excellent parental support. The players are also at an age where incentives to remain in the game are paramount. Fiji was the destination because of its ability to provide cricket at the end of the domestic season here, and so save any interference to local competitions. Sharpe stressed that each of the players were paying their own expenses for the tour, and the tour was not a financial burden to any association or to the Mitchell council. Mitchell is providing playing and touring shirts, hats and a baggy cap, and funding half of the manager's and coach's expenses, which was the case with the previous Otago tour. Associations pay a small levy of $10 per team to cover these expenses and assist any player who may have financial problems making the tour.

Hannah's skill level moving up a grade

10 Apr, 2003 07:24 AM

HANNAH Grady's budding cricket career took another step forward this week when she received notification she has been selected in the NSW under 15 girls 2003-04 winter training squad. It's a fair achievement for the Orange High student who is just 12 years of age. "Yeah, I think it's good," Hannah agreed and she's now looking forward to improving her skills and learning more about the game with about 30 other talented girls. Hannah proved she had potential when she made the NSW Primary Schools Sporting Association team which won last year's national tournament and she believes her selection in the train-on squad may have been a result of that. She also loves the game, having played in the under 12 grand final with Orange City Pontings and made the under 12 Orange representative side where she was one of the form players. During the semi-finals, Hannah hit up 43 runs for the Pontings but more importantly took 3-9 with her medium pace bowling, while in the grand final, she was part of a partnership which hit 50 runs from the last six overs to win the title. Club and rep team coach Mark Gardner, who also praises Hannah's fielding, reckons she has potential. "I think she'll go all the way if she sticks at it," he said. Hannah's sporting prowess isn't restricted to cricket, she's also a handy tennis player and is captain of Orange's under 13 netball team and she realises one day, she may have to specialise. "Yes. Later on I'll probably have to decide between the three sports. I love all three sports," she said adding at this stage, she's leaning towards cricket. "Because of my success at it but I'm doing well at tennis and netball as well." Hannah's mother Elizabeth said there was already tremendous pressure to specialise. "Even at 12, but we've encouraged her not to. It's too young to make a decision," she said. Hannah's elder sister Ellen, 13, also plays cricket and in a way, was responsible for Hannah taking up the sport. "One of the teachers at school pushed me towards it because Ellen was in the year before so it all started with school cricket. I enjoyed it so much I went to a Saturday morning team and it went from there."

Kinross bowls over rivals

19 Nov, 2003 06:48 AM

KINROSS Wolaroi School have claimed the Dale McIntosh Trophy for years seven and eight players for the first time since 1998. Kinross was undefeated in the round robin competition which also involved Orange High, Canobolas High and defending premiers James Sheahan. The final match between Canobolas and James Sheahan was played on Monday at Anzac Park. Sheahan's bowlers caused problems for the Canobolas batsman bowling them all out for 54. Canobolas batsman Steve Parker top scored for his side with 25. Mark Williams was the best of the Sheahan bowlers taking five wickets and only conceding 12 runs in his five overs. Tim Bassmann was just as handy with the ball taking 3-19 and Anthony Rusden claimed 2-15 in 1.5 overs. In response Sheahan reached 3-58 at the end of the ninth over to win the match. Bassmann top scored with 22 not out and Mark Williams finished with 17. Canobolas bowler Brett Mackin took 2-18 in his four overs. Kinross won the trophy with an undefeated nine points, Orange High was second on seven points, Sheahan was third with five points and Canobolas High was fourth. The Dale McIntosh Trophy has been running since 1984

Hannah leads by example

25 Nov, 2003 06:54 AM

A CAPTAIN'S knock by Hannah Grady helped Orange under 12s beat Blue Mountains in the top-of-the-table clash on Sunday. After a washout in the previous game, the Orange players were keen to play their third representative game of the season. Orange lost the toss and was asked to field. For the first 17 overs Orange didn't seem to be switched on. However, James Read managed to grab the first wicket with an outstanding run-out diving to his left and hitting the one stump. After drinks, Orange applied the breaks to the Blue Mountains scoring. This was due to great bowling by Kyran Bubb (8-5-4-5), Hannah Grady (7-3-2-9) and Jonathon Warren (3-2-0-3). The fielding also picked up with Josh Ward taking a great reflex catch and Matthew Weller and Jack Meek also supporting the bowlers. Matthew Morrow (7-5-0-6), Mitchell Evers (7-2-0-17) and Travis Roweth (4-1-0-10) also stopped the scoring. Blue Mountains finished their 50 overs at 9/94. Orange's reply got off to a bad start with Orange losing three wickets in the first six overs. However, Josh Ward and Hannah Grady made sure Orange lost no more wickets as they put on 85 for the fourth wicket as Orange passed the total in the 30th over. Grady played a great captain's knock as she mixed defence with attack and finished with a well made 52no. Ward was the perfect support player rotating the strike and picking up the occasional twos to finish with 20no. This was a great win for Orange. It was a tremendous effort by all the players because when they were in trouble at the start of each innings but stuck to the game plan and never gave up. This shows great character and is a sign of a great team. This win puts Orange on top of the table but with plenty of work still to do.

First ton but more to come

BY DAVID MILLER 18 Dec, 2003 07:00 AM

THE only surprising thing about Western Zone opener Jason Ryan's unbeaten Bradman Cup century against Southern Riverina on Sunday was that it was his first. The Cudal 15-year-old wicket-keeper/batsman has long been regarded as a player of the future and on Sunday he underlined his potential with an unbeaten 142 after batting through the Western Zone innings. Former Western Zone coaching director Carl Sharpe said the exciting aspect of Ryan's performance was that first and foremost he is an outstanding wicket-keeper. 'That's the first impression we ever had,'' Sharpe said. "He first came along as a wicket-keeper who could bat and now his batting has really developed.'' When told Sunday's innings was Ryan's first century in any form of cricket, Sharpe said: "And it won't be his last. "He's always had the potential, we've had him tagged for some time as something special. "He's a bit of a standout.'' Ryan, who batted at five or six in last season's Western Zone Bradman Cup team, said he wanted to start the under 16 tournament with a big score. "When I got to 50 I said I wanted to make a hundred,'' he said. "Every 10 runs I would say to myself get another 10.'' On his feat to bat the entire 60 overs in an innings that featured 22 fours and one six, Ryan said: "It was hot and sweaty but when you're hitting runs all the time you don't feel it. "It didn't feel like I was out there that long, we had a fair few drinks breaks and I would just switch off.'' Ryan felt he was hitting the ball well when he batted three times last Saturday for scores of 14 not out and 17 not out in junior cricket and 35 playing for the Cudal senior side. He was picked in the NSW Country under 17 training squad as a 14-year-old last year following the Bradman Cup carnival but, after attending several training sessions in the off-season, he couldn't play against a City selection because he broke his thumb playing soccer. "I was dirty about that,'' Ryan said. CYMS fast bowler Michael Delaney is also part of Western Zone's Bradman Cup campaign which Ryan believes is in better shape than last season when Western lost its final pool game after earlier beating eventual champions Newcastle. This season's carnival is being split between the Illawarra and South Coast from Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 9 when the two pool winners will clash in the final at Bradman Oval, Bowral.

Ready to learn from experience

BY MICHELLE COOK 30 Dec, 2003 07:10 AM

ORANGE'S under 13 cricket side will put up a good challenge to the other teams contesting the Under 13 Orange Invitational Tournament which starts today. Eleven of Orange's best young cricketers have been selected to play in the team and selector Mark Gardner is confident they will acquit themselves well. "In the Orange team they'll probably look for the more experienced players like Tom Close, Troy Harmer, Sam Hazzard and James Dowler to play well," Gardner said. "Hannah Grady and James Read are in the Mitchell under 12 team so this will be good experience for them." Even at such a young age the players have experience and several have a chance to hone their skills for future representative fixtures. "Nicholas Wright, Mark Williams and Scott Mileto will all be pushing for selection in the Orange under 14 side next year," Gardner said. "Mark Williams hasn't played representative cricket before so this is a good opportunity to see how he goes against other good players. James Read missed selection in the under 12s side last year so if he plays well this week he could show that maybe he should have been picked last year." Coach Col Harmer said the Orange team has been bolstered by some 13-year-old boys which will help them against some strong representative sides. "Most of them are from last year's under 12 representative side," Harmer said describing the Orange team. "There are a couple of older boys, who are 13, to strengthen the side. ACT is a state side, Illawarra are strong and Mitchell covers Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo and elsewhere." Harmer and Gardner said this week is about the young side gaining more experience. Orange will start it's campaign today against Illawarra at Jack Brabham 1. In the other matches today Shoalhaven plays ACT at KWS 2, Wagga meet Penrith at KWS 1, Camden faces Dubbo at Jack Brabham 2 and Mitchell, which contains Orange's Mitch Evers, Scott Rosser, Jayden Gardner, Tim Holmes and Edward Arnott, plays South Coast at Anzac 2. Each team plays four games of 50 overs each over the next four days and the winner will be the team with the most points at the conclusion. Today's games will start at 10:30am and on the other days at 10am.

ORANGE UNDER 13S: Tom Close (c), Troy Harmer (vc), Sam Hazzard, Patrick Delaney, Hannah Grady, Nicholas Wright, Mark Williams, James Dowler, Scott Mileto, Jason Beasley, James Read.

Orange's best up with rest

BY MICHELLE COOK 31 Dec, 2003 06:55 AM

ORANGE coach Col Harmer went into the Under 13 Orange Invitational Tournament with the hope his Orange side would do its best. They did exactly that yesterday and came away with a win against Illawarra in their first match. Illawarra batted first and set a decent total in 50 overs of 6-197 with a large portion of the runs coming from Joel Brockley who scored 109. Illawarra's six wickets fell through a run out and then at the hands of five different Orange bowlers. In response Orange went out hard with the bat, only losing four wickets on their way to scoring a winning 209 runs. Orange's Mark Williams was a stand out scoring 60 not out, James Dowler recorded 54 and Tom Close reached 26 not out. "They dug deep and played well," Col Harmer said. "We've got our win so everything is a bonus from here on in." South Coast gave Mitchell a lesson in batting at Anzac Park scoring 1-305. Included in South Coast whopping score was Adam Tracey with 177 not out and Brynley Richards with 92 not out. Mitchell batted out their 50 overs finishing with 9-198 and coach Mark Tabbernor said the quick outfield caused problems for the fielders. "Any ball through the field was four runs," Tabbernor said. "I couldn't believe it. But the kids played really well, they didn't give up." In other matches ACT were too good for Shoalhaven bowling Shoalhaven out for 63 and then scoring 7-183 in response. In the Dubbo-Camden match, Dubbo were all out for 121 and Camden responded with 3-124. At Kinross Wagga scored 6-129 in their 50 overs and Penrith reposnded with 4-130. After the first days play Orange, Penrith, ACT, Camden and South Coast are on seven points and Shoalhaven, Wagga, Illawarra, Dubbo and Mitchell are on three. No bonus points will be awarded during the tournament. If a team is even at the conclusion a quotient system will be used to decide the winner.

More than just number

01 Jan, 2004 07:37 AM

HOST side Orange proved they're not in the Orange under 13 invitational carnival to make up the numbers yesterday when they scored their second win of the four-day tournament. Backing up Tuesday's win over Illawarra, Orange yesterday downed Shoalhaven after resticting the visitors to 145 runs and then scoring a comfortable 1-148 in reply. Jarryd Ingold topscored with 33 for Shoalhaven while Mark Williams (3-16) and captain Tom Close (2-14) led the attack. Opener Troy Harmer was unbeaten on 69 while partner Sam Hazzard was dismissed for 30. James Dowler was the other not out batsman for Orange on 39. Camden also maintained it's unbeaten run yesterday with a win over Illawarra at Kinross. Good knocks by Ben Tintner (33) and James Broadbent (27) helped Camden set a total of 129 which Illawarra fell 20 runs short of. Grant Johnson (32) topscored for Illawarra while Jake Richardson (3-16) and Luke Morgan (2-16) led the attack. Dubbo bounced back from its loss to Camden on Tuesday with a 42-run win over Wagga. Tim Armstrong (80) and Chris Russo (30) guided Dubbo to 7-202 while Wagga was dismissed for 160, Joshua Murray topscoring with 76. Armstrong showed his allround ability by taking 3-19 while for Wagga Sam Whitfield led the way with 3-29. Mitchell tumbled to its second loss yesterday when beaten by ACT at Kinross. Josh Toole was the topscorer in their innings of 65 with 14 while wickets were shared by Brendan Duffy (2-1), Harry Medhurst (3-14) and Jarrod Wehlah (2-11). Stumps were pulled with ACT at 3-66. Penrith is another unbeaten side after comfortably downing South Coast at Anzac Park yesterday. Felix Best (34) and Nathan Maher (33) helped Penrith to 6-181 while South Coast could only manage 76 in reply with Adam Tracey hitting 26. Maher also led with the ball for Penrith taking 3-20 while Jordan Le Huray took 2-9 and Sztelma 2-8. Today's draw is Penrith v Shoalhaven at KWS 2, Orange v South Coast at KWS 1, ACT v Camden (JB1), Dubbo v Illwarra (JB2) and Mitchell v Wagga (Anzac 1).

Washout spells end for Orange

09 Mar, 2004 06:55 AM CRICKET

ORANGE bowed out of the Mitchell under 12 competition when Sunday's final against Blue Mountains was washed out. As the Blue Mountains finished higher on the table they go through to the grand final next weekend against Bathurst. Orange won the toss and elected to bat first against Blue Mountains. Orange openers Mitchell Evers (11) and Jonathon Warren (6) saw Orange off to a quick start. However, things went terribly for the Orange side as they collapsed to be 6-36 at the first drinks break. However, as they have done all season, Orange fought back to be 7-80 at the second drinks break thanks to captain Hannah Grady (pictured) and Jackson Coote. Some late partnerships between Grady and Kyran Bubb and Grady and Matt Morrow helped Orange to 8-118 when the rain came. Despite the efforts of parents sweeping the pitch and hoping for the best the game could not continue and Orange was knocked out of the competition. A special mention about Grady's knock. She came in at 2-20 and despite the collapse she continued to hit the loose balls to finish 62 not out. Without her knock Orange would have been bowled out cheaply and this was a true captain's knock and the best innings of the season. The coach thanks all the players for their hard work all year and considers the team was unlucky not to make the grand final as they were in a strong position in this game. Also thank you to all the parents for driving the kids around and supporting them, the players certainly appreciated it. Finally, thanks to Andrew Grady for scoring at every game, Gavin Read for managing the side and Hannah Grady for captaining the side so well. Orange will be back next season giving the competition a good shake. Orange under 14s and under 16s are both through to next Sunday's grand finals. The 14s will play Dubbo in Dubbo and the 16s will be away to Lithgow. Like the 12s, the other finals were washed out in Orange on Sunday. However, in these instances the Orange sides finished higher on the table than their respective opponents Blue Mountains (14s) and Bathurst (16s).

Sluggish batting costly for Dubbo

16 Mar, 2004 09:53 AM A sluggish batting performance resulted in Dubbo being upset by Orange in the final of the Mitchell Cricket Council under-14 competition. After winning the toss and batting, Dubbo scored 110 runs off their 50 overs while Orange cruised to 119 for the loss of six wickets off 40 overs. Orange also won the under-16s by scoring 201 and dismissing Lithgow for 114. Despite losing the final, Dubbo coach Robert Devenish was impressed with the effort and application displayed by his team. "We just didn't score enough runs and the runs we did get were scored too slowly," Devenish conceded. "After 30 overs Dubbo was three for 46 and that just put too much pressure on our lower order and in the finish Dubbo did well to get to 110 runs. "In protecting the small total Dubbo's bowlers did a superb job but unfortunately were not backed up by their fieldsmen. "Dubbo's fielding throughout the competition rounds had been one of the highlights of their performances but maybe the pressure of the occasion got to them," Devenish added. "We gave their best batsman, Sean Gardner, four chances and he made them pay, top scoring with 50 runs. "If we had got him early, Orange would have been four for 39 off 17 overs and we would have been in the game with a big chance, but instead Orange put on 62 runs for the fourth wicket to all but seal the victory. "In the end Orange were deserving winners but I was very proud of Dubbo's performances throughout the competition and I am sure that a few of the players will be in contention for future higher representative honours." Best performers with the bat for Dubbo were Tom Devenish with 21 runs and Tim Miller, Jacob Barnes and Sam Stapleton with 13 runs each. Tim Armstrong was the stand out with the ball bowling nine overs, one maiden and taking 2-18.

Hannah a country girl at heart

BY OLIVER MURRAY 01 Oct, 2004 06:58 AM

HANNAH Grady is aiming for selection in the NSW Country side when she competes at the NSW Championships in Maitland this weekend. The 14-year-old is part of the Western Zone under 19s and is the only Orange player in the side. After the experience of playing for Western Zone in the same tournament last year, Grady was hoping to go one step further and gain Country selection. "I hope I can," Grady said. "It's what I've been practising for." The all-rounder is one of the youngest in the Western side, which will play three round robin games before the semi- finals. After the final on Monday, City and Country sides for under 15s, 17s, 19s and opens will be selected. Grady, who was part of the under 15 NSW Development squad, played in the NSW Championships with the under 19s side last year, but rain meant only three games could be played. The Western Zone open side is also competing at Maitland, with Hannah's sister, Ellen, a reserve for both the open and under 19 sides. The under 19s will play Central Coast tomorrow, before other round robin matches against North West and the strong Sydney outfit in the 33 over matches. Western is sending two of their strongest sides to the tournament after a strong selection trial. Selector Marie Cornish said the increasing amount of talented female cricketers in the area means Western will continue to improve. "We had 34 players to select the two teams from which goes well for Western Zone and I can see it getting a lot harder to select next year," Cornish said. The tournament will finish on Monday with the finals, after which the City and Country sides will be picked.

WESTERN ZONE (under 19s): Sally Moylan (Wellington), Jessica Richards (Wellington), Emily Watt (Cowra), Hannah Grady (Orange), Stacey Cornish (Wellington), Annabel Holland (Mudgee), Rachel Griffith (Bathurst), Keira Symington (Parkes), Isabelle Watt (Cowra), Lisa Griffith (Bathurst), Ashlee Matthews (Parkes).

COUNTRY HOPEFUL: Hannah Grady is looking for Country selection when she plays for Western Zone at the NSW Championships this long weekend.

Five in selection zone

BY OLIVER MURRAY 01 Oct, 2004 06:59 AM THERE will be five Orange players vying for selection in the Western Zone Bradman Cup side when the under 16 zone selection carnival starts in Orange today. The three-day tournament features a side from Mitchell, Macquarie and Lachlan, as well as the Wanderers, which is made up of four players from each of the three councils. Orange's Tobias Cunynghame, Sean Gardner, Robert Close and Tim Clunes will be part of the Mitchell side, while Adam Clunes is in the Wanderers team. The tournament will be a round robin for the 50 over games, with the Western Zone side selected after the final games on Sunday. The side selected will play in the Bradman Cup at Shellharbour in January against the seven other country cricketing zones. From that tournament in January a NSW Country side will be selected to play a city side. The first games at the selection carnival today will be Mitchell against the Wanderers at Bloomfield and Macquarie plays Lachlan at Kinross, with both games starting at 10am.

MITCHELL: Scott Henry (Bathurst), Adam Shackleton (Bathurst), Chris Sheppherd (Lithgow), Jameel Qurishi (Blayney), Jonathon Collins (Wentworth Falls), Lachlan Mussing (Katoomba), Josh Marchant (Mudgee), Tobias Cunynghame (Orange), Sean Gardner (Orange), Robert Close (Orange), Cameron Jones (Wentworth Falls), Tim Clunes (Orange). Coach: Ian Paxton (Bathurst). Wanderers nominations from Mitchell: Brad Cady (Bathurst), Trent Bright (Blayney), Adam Clunes (Orange), Michael Conroy (Bathurst).

Hannah's on a good wicket with Country call

BY OLIVER MURRAY 07 Oct, 2004 06:45 AM

HANNAH Grady is one step closer to playing for her state after being selected in the NSW Country under 15 side to play City next month. After performing well for the Western Zone under 19 side at the Cricket NSW women's state championships in Maitland on the weekend, Grady was rewarded with a place in the under 15 Country squad. The 14-year-old said after being selected to play for Country for the first time her long term goal was to play for NSW. "I'm really stoked" was Grady's reaction to making the Country side to play City. "Now I want to just keep making the Country sides and then hopefully make the NSW team," Grady said. She said being one of the younger players in the Western Zone side improved her chances of making the under 15 squad. Further down the track the talented all-rounder was looking to play in the women's first grade competition in Sydney. Grady was one of four Western Zone players selected in the Country under 15 squad. Jessica Cox (Kelso), Isabelle Watt (Cowra) and Lisa Griffith (Bathurst) also gained selection. The under 19 Western Zone side finished fourth at the state championships, with Grady having a top score of 43 and picking up four wickets in the side's four games. Western were defeated by Hunter in the semi-final and then lost the third place play-off against South Coast. Grady is also a talented tennis player, but said she was now concentrating on her cricket career. Grady and her Country team-mates will play City on November 6-7.

BATTER UP: Promising Orange cricketer Hannah Grady. Photo: JUDE KEOGH

SJS Blue v SJS Kelly's

19 Oct, 2004 08:42 AM THE season got off to a good start for SJS Blue with plenty of enthusiasm and skills on show. Batting first, openers Angus Niven and Tim Abraham had the score sheet ticking along with solid hitting and quick singles in their opening partnership. Tim Delaney strode to the crease and signalled his intentions with a six off his first ball. Adam Harper showed exceptional technique and shot making in compiling his score. Nick Moran and Justin Sandry went through their innings not out to help build the total. In the field wicket-keeper Patrick Madden showed great promise with some excellent saves. Liam Gough produced a superb bowling display with only one run coming from his two overs. Cain Swanson was "on fire" in the field taking several great catches while Nick Stewart picked up a vital wicket just when Kelly's were starting to look dangerous. Rob Mackay bowled a good line and length to contain the run scoring.

Blues' flat start

26 Oct, 2004 09:14 AM WITH SJS Blues losing the toss and being asked to bowl first on a flat pitch, the Blues had early success. Mitch McKenna (9-4-3-15) struck with the third ball in his first over and was finding good form early. Fellow opener Mitch Christie (9-1-0-32) was a little astray but settled down in his second spell. James Mann (10-0-2-23) was economical at this early stage of the season. Other wicketakers were Daniel McGregor (7-1-2-20), Luke Harvey (1-0-1-6), Brendon Storey (3-0-0-15), Grant Sinclair (3-0-0-16) and Robbie Williams (3-3-0-0). All bowled well at the start of their overs but seemed to stray as the day progressed. Jace Cracknell (2-0-0-17) and Jeremy Layton (1-0-1-17) bowled well even though a little expensive. A nice fifth wicket partnership from Shaun Cole (42) and Josh Cheney (64), halted the Blues run of wickets as City scored 181 off 53 overs. The Blues in reply are 1-13 off 4 overs needing only 1.7 runs per over to secure victory next week on day two.

SJS tumbles after solid start

26 Oct, 2004 09:16 AM IN ITS second match of the season SJS Under 12 Blue went down by 20 runs to Calare. SJS battled first with Josh Treacy and Jared Kerr seeing out 15 overs with good defence and stroke play. Both boys played straight and frustrated the attack for quite some time until they were dismissed in consecutive overs. Josh made 5 while Jared scored 6 runs. Extras saw the score reach 30 when the boys were dismissed. Unfortunately, after the solid start, wickets tumbled and the innings was completed inside the allotted overs. However, in the field, SJS played excellent cricket and at one stage looked like dismissing Calare short of the required total. Terrific bowling from Denis Giguere had the opposition in trouble on a number of occasions. Denis bowled straight and fast and as a result captured 4 wickets for just 8 runs from his overs. Excellent control was shown by spinner Tim Sergeant who returned figures of 2-7 while Hamish Finlayson, Tristan Harrison, Thomas Wright and James Davison all bowled accurately and picked up a wicket each. SJS was good in the field and took a number of catches as well as showing excellent ground fielding. Thomas Wright, in particular, was sharp, taking two hard catches on the on side.

Shield first proves Orange High is on a good wicket

BY MICHELLE COOK 30 Nov, 2004 06:49 AM

ORANGE High is celebrating after winning the Dale McIntosh Shield for the first time. The years seven and eight side were undefeated in the competition. Their first match against Kinross Wolaroi was washed out but then they easily accounted for Canobolas High 9-146 to 49. Orange High had to work a little harder in their final match against James Sheahan. Orange High set a total of 6-135 before removing Sheahan for 85. In the game against Canobolas High Luke Wilson (30 retired), Jayden Gardner (31 retired) and Ryan Sinclair (18 no) were the best with the bat and James Read (2-18) and Gardner (3-8) were impressive with the ball. Mitch Evers (22), Matt Findlay (19) and James Read (34) put the runs on the board against James Sheahan and Read (2-19), Sophie Beer (2-24), Hannah Grady (2-12) and Scott Rosser (2-16) made their mark with the ball. Orange High teacher Keith Peasley said this was the school's best group of players for a number of years. "We haven't had much success with cricket for about five years," Peasley said. "This group has a lot of depth. We have great plans for them." Peasley said the team would hopefully perform well in Combined High Schools competitions in the future.

Orange High's Dale McIntosh Shield-winning team members are (clockwise from centre right) Hannah Grady, Ryan Sinclair, Tom Carey, Rory Jaye, Scott Rosser, Luke Wilson, Jackson Coote and Jayden Gardner. Absent: Mitchell Evers, Matt Findlay, James Read, Jace Delaney and Sophie Beer.

Orange u16s protect unbeaten record heading into final round

02 Dec, 2004 06:41 AM

ORANGE remains unbeaten in the Mitchell Cricket Council under 16 competition going into Sunday's match against Mudgee. The under 16s have scored wins over Mudgee, Dubbo and the Blue Mountains in the first three rounds of the inter-town competition. The top three sides will qualify for the finals, with this Sunday's round the last of 2004. Orange are seven points clear of Bathurst and Dubbo, who are equal second, while Mudgee is in fourth place. In the under 14s, Dubbo lead the competition by two points in front of Orange, Bathurst and the Blue Mountains. Orange is coming fourth in the under 12s, with Mudgee and Dubbo equal first and Bathurst third. This Sunday Orange hosts Mudgee, Dubbo are away to Bathurst, while Lithgow plays the Blue Mountains. The Mitchell junior selection trials will be held in Bathurst on Sunday December 12. Junior associations must nominate players wishing to trial for the Mitchell sides. Trials for the girls' sides will be held in Bathurst on Sunday, December 19, with an inter-district girls' competition planned for next year.

Orange players dominate squad

22 Dec, 2004 06:51 AM

ORANGE players dominate the Mitchell under 14 side to play Macquarie Valley and Lachlan representative teams next February. Jayden Gardner captains a team that includes Orange team-mates Marc Williams, Tom Bjorksten, James Read, Scott Rosser and Patrick Delaney. Orange's Mark Gardner will also coach the side. Orange's Hannah Grady captains the under 12 side which contains two other girls, Lisa Griffith (Bathurst) and Eliza Gawthorne (Blue Mountains). Bobby Rosser is the only other Orange player in the team which will be coached by Orange's Matt Tabbernor. The Mitchell under 16s have a sprinkling of Orange players in opener Sean Gardner, TJ Cunynghame and Adam Clunes.

Mitchell girls on a level playing field

23 Dec, 2004 06:41 AM FOR the first time in history a Mitchell girls' team has been selected. Trials were held for the under 16 side on the weekend and Orange's Hannah Grady, Kate Hetherington, Clare Dwyer and Emily McWhirter, along with Millthorpe's Karina Roweth, were selected. Roweth, 14, didn't expect to be selected because she hasn't been playing in the junior competition on Saturdays. Dwyer, 13, Hetherington, 14, and McWhirter, 14, all play together in an SJS under 14 side who are coming second in the Orange competition. The three all-rounders are happy to be playing representative cricket together as well. McWhirter only returned to the game this season after a break from the sport. Grady, 14, has had a busy representative calendar including playing with the Western Zone under 19 girls' side and the NSW Country under 15 girls' team. Grady also captains the Mitchell boys' under 12 side as girls can play for another two years after they have passed the boys' age limit. Grady is joined by girls' under 16 team-mates Eliza Gawthorne, from the Blue Mountains, and Lisa Griffith, from Bathurst, in the boys' under 12 side. There has been a big push since Cricket NSW took over women's cricket for all the councils to have a girls' team. Mitchell couldn't get a team together last year but this season they took on the girls who were keen to be involved. The Mitchell team also includes players from Mudgee, Bathurst and the Blue Mountains. It is planned for the Mitchell side to play Macquarie Valley and Lachlan.

MITCHELL UNDER 16s: Abby Best (Mudgee), Cassie Douglas (Mudgee), Annabele Holland (Lue), Kate Hetherington (Orange), Emily McWhirter (Orange), Clare Dwyer (Orange), Karina Roweth (Millthorpe), Hannah Grady (Orange), Eliza Gawthorne (Blue Mountains), Lisa Griffith (Bathurst), Jessica Cox (Bathurst), Rachael Hurn (Mudgee). Coach: Greg Griffith (Bathurst). Manager: Carolyn Sheehan (Mudgee).

STEPPING UP: Orange cricket players (from left) Clare Dwyer, Karina Roweth and Kate Hetherington have been selected in the first Mitchell under 16 girls' cricket team. This time they won't be sharing the field with the boys. Photo: STEVE GOSCH

Local juniors join Western Zone bid

31 Jan, 2005 08:37 AM Dubbo under-14s Josh Smith, Tim Armstrong and Jacob Bruce, along with David Robertson (Warren) and Chris Tremain (Wellington) will play for Western Zone against Riverina at Cowra tomorrow. The 50-over game will start at 10am and feature some of the best talent from the two cricket zones. According to Western Zone coaching director David Abernethy this is the first time Western 14s have played Riverina in an inter- zone representative match. "The match is a one-off game between the two neighbouring zones and is one of a number of challenge games being played by other country zones across the State," Abernethy said. "The games are being evaluated by New South Wales cricket officials to determine if a full program of matches will be included in the junior representative cricket program for season 2005-06. "NSW cricket is looking at filling the void of representative cricket at zone level for the under-14 year age group. "It is also seen as an opportunity for selectors to identify talent at an earlier age as part of the pathways program for cricket in NSW. "Already NSW Cricket conducts the successful under-16 Bradman Cup carnival which identifies talented cricketers in country NSW. This competition provides opportunities to higher representative cricket at junior level."

Western Zone 14s: Josh Smith (Dubbo), Jayden Gardner (Orange), Tim Armstrong (Macquarie), Josh Toole (Bathurst), Scott Rosser (Orange), Sandy Rodgers (Condobolin), Jacob Bruce (Dubbo), Smithie Goodman (Young), Chris Tremain (Wellington), Scott Knights (Parkes), David Robertson (Warren), Ed Arnott (Orange). Manager Mark Gardner (Orange), coach Shane Williams (Trangie).

Lachlan teams in clean sweep

14 Feb, 2005 06:47 PM MITCHELL

LACHLAN Cricket Council made a clean sweep of the three junior representative matches against Mitchell Cricket Council in Bathurst on Sunday. At Morse Park 2, Lachlan had won the under 12 match by 3pm, bowling the home side out for 55. Lachlan made 155 in 44 overs for their 100 run victory. Mudgee's Daniel Woods claimed 3-17 from six overs for Mitchell, while Bathurst's Lisa Griffiths (2-12) and Mudgee's Andrew Best (2-18 from 6.5 overs) were also good with the ball. Only Mudgee's Sam Muller (11) made double figures with the bat. In the under 14s at Morse Park 1, Lachlan batted first and made 184, being bowled out in the 55th and final over. Bathurst's Ryan Smiles snared 3-16 in 10 overs, while Orange's Scott Rosser grabbed 3-9. Rosser (30) also excelled in the chase, and fellow Orange bat Tom Bjorksten made 26. It was the same story in the under 16s, Mitchell were set a total and couldn't chase it, losing by 26 runs. Lachlan made 178 after being 6-67, with Josh Noble (42) and Mick Curtale (35) scoring heavily while Bathurst's Trent Bright snared 3-11 from 7.5 overs for Mitchell. Mitchell made 152 in the chase, with Brad Cady (52) and Mudgee's Scott Henry the pick. Brett Causer took 3-20 for Lachlan, while Andrew Maxwell claimed 2-31. Lachlan travels to Dubbo to play Macquarie, while Mitchell meet sMacquarie in Orange in the final two sets of matches in the tri-series.

All-girls games a sign of things to come

BY OLIVER MURRAY 16 Feb, 2005 06:24 PM

MATCHES between Mitchell, Macquarie and Lachlan junior girls' sides this weekend will be used to help introduce more representative games for girls next season. For the first time ever Mitchell will have a girls' side play matches against Macquarie and Lachlan in Dubbo on Sunday. Mitchell Cricket Council secretary Carl Sharpe said Sunday's matches and further matches in Orange next month will be used to judge the standard of girls' cricket in the Western Zone. "This season is all about having a bit of a look at the girls and see how they go," Sharpe said. "There are only about two or three in each side with much experience, so it will be about looking at the talent." Sharpe said it was hoped next year there would be girls' rep cricket played at the same time as the boys. "This is all new to us, but when it comes around again next season we want the girls to play at the same time as the boys," he said. There are five local players in the under 16 Mitchell side, which will play two 20- over matches on Sunday. Orange's Hannah Grady, Kate Hetherington, Emily McWhirter and Clare Dwyer, as well as Millthorpe's Karina Roweth, are in the side.

Three to miss grand final

09 Mar, 2005 06:40 AM CRICKET

ORANGE faces Dubbo in the Mitchell under 16 grand final this Sunday without the services of three key players. Missing from the action will be captain Josh Sands and fellow all-rounders Sean Gardner and Rob Close. As it was with Orange's under 21 side last weekend, the Orange senior finals are being played this Saturday and Sunday with Sands playing in the Orange CYMS first grade team and Gardner and Close with Kinross seconds. It is particularly heartbreaking to lose Sands for this game as this was to be his last junior representative match. He has led the Orange side to victories in the under 12 and under 14 competition with the tally being 15 victories and only two defeats (under 12s back in 2000/01). Sands has led with great determination, skill and humour and it is hoped that the rest of the team can win, not only for Orange and themselves, but also for him. Both Gardner and Close have come along in leaps and bounds and their skills will be missed against Dubbo. Gardner has just recently been selected for a NSW under 15 team and is a top order bat and bowls leg spin. Close fills the vital number six batting spot, bowls medium pace and is an excellent fieldsman. In to the side come Sean Cole and Bill Thompson. Cole will take Gardner's place in the top order and Thompson is a left arm swing bowler and a handy fielder. Although Orange has thrashed all other Mitchell teams - they defeated Bathurst by eight wickets, Mudgee by nine, Blue Mountains by nine and Lithgow by 10 - they will face a tough opponent in Dubbo. The only clash between Dubbo and Orange resulted in a close 12-run victory to Orange in Dubbo. For Orange to succeed they are going to rely on all players but will need leadership from the senior players in the team - T J Cunynghame, Sam Fitzgerald, Tim and Adam Clunes, Eddy Currall, Josh Cheney and Liam Dwyer.

UNAVAILABLE: Orange top order batsman Sean Gardner, who will play for school side Kinross in the Orange second grade final while the under 16 grand final is being played. Photo: STEVE GOSCH

All in the timing for SJS Blue

22 Mar, 2005 06:54 AM

OPEN JUNIORS

SJS Blue came from fourth place to win the grand final with five minutes to spare on Saturday. SJS Blue won the toss and elected to bat. They began steadily but continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and compiled 111 runs in their first innings. Top scorer was Jeremy Layton on 16. He was followed closely by a host of players who got starts but failed to go on with it, including well compiled innings of 15 by Daniel McGregor and 13 by Robert Williams. Joe Cracknell and Dylan Kearns showed good resistance at the end of the innings Kinross McGraths batted confidently and at one stage were 4 for 62. Then a remarkable fightback by SJS saw Kinross at 8 for 81 at the end of the first day. Kinross lost four wickets for four runs. Best bowlers for SJS were Robert Williams with 3 for 25 and Mitch McKenna 3 for 31. Mitch Christie contributed with a superb run-out, while wicket-keeper Liam Dwyer took a sharp catch off a thick edge up to the stumps. The match was poised for an intriguing first innings finale when the second day of play began. SJS started nervously but eventually Mitch McKenna put together two well pitched deliveries that saw the final two batsmen out bowled. However, Kinross led by eight runs on the first innings mainly thanks to a well compiled 33 runs by Doug Freeth. SJS Blue then went out and batted with the intention of scoring quickly. Good aggression saw them get to a total of 5 for 124 before declaring their innings closed. Luke Harvey and Grant Sinclair finished 22 and 12 not out respectively. Liam Dwyer scored a quick 20 runs. This left Kinross with 80 minutes to bat out to win the game. The first wicket was a fast reflex catch at second slip by Scott McDonald off the bowling of Christie. At drinks after the completion of the first 40 minutes Kinross had lost only two wickets. With a change of bowlers the wickets then began to fall. Kinross gallantly tried to retain their wickets but were all out for 53 runs with just five minutes of the game remaining. James Mann (3 wickets for 3 runs of 2 overs) and Robert Williams (4 wickets for 17 runs off 5 overs) turned the game around and SJS Blue were the winners of the game by 63 runs. Team captain Scott McDonald did a fine job of rallying his team when it was needed and took the final wicket of the match. CHAMPION TEAM: Open Juniors premiers SJS Blue. Back row: Luke Harvey, James Mann, Daniel McGregor, Mitch Christie, Mitch McKenna, Dylan Kearns. Front row: Chris Dwyer (coach), Robert Williams, Scott McDonald (captain), Liam Dwyer, Jeremy Layton, Joe Cracknell.

Hannah's ready to come o f age

BY OLIVER MURRAY 22 Sep, 2005 06:48 AM

HANNAH Grady is proving age is no barrier after being selected to captain Western Zone at the women's under 19 NSW Country Championships. The 15-year-old will lead Western at the championships at Maitland next month, despite being one of the younger members of the side. But the all-rounder doesn't expect to have any leadership problems at the three-day tournament. "All the girls are nice and we get on well, so I don't think there will be any problems," she said. "I was a bit surprised (to be named captain) actually, because there are a few older girls in the side." For Grady this is her third season in the Western Zone under 19 side, but she is now looking towards NSW selection. Last year Grady made the NSW Country under 19 side after the championships, but was unable to attend state selections. "Hopefully I can make the Country team again," Grady said. "Then I want to try and make the NSW team." Being only 15, Grady can still make the NSW team at under 15, 17 or 19 level. Fellow Orange junior Sophie Beer, 15, also made the Western Zone side, but is unable to compete at the championships due to injury. The NSW Country Championships are on the long weekend from October 1-3.

AGE NO BARRIER: At just 15, Hannah Grady will lead Western Zone at the NSW Country Championships next month. Photo: STEVE GOSCH

Mitchell side to bowl rivals over

BY MICHELLE COOK 29 Sep, 2005 06:40 AM

IF Mitchell are as good as they look on paper they're sure to perform well at the Western Zone under 16 carnival starting in Orange tomorrow. Included in the Mitchell side are five Orange players all hoping for a spot in the Western Zone Bradman Cup side. Mitchell coach Ian Paxton said he was impressed with the players that have been selected in the Mitchell team even though they haven't trained together. "There's some pretty talented kids in the side," Paxton said. "Brad Cady (Bathurst), Scott Rosser (Orange) and Lachlan Mussing (Blue Mountains) are all in the talented players' squad which is for under 17s. The others performed well in the under 14s last year. Marc Williams (Orange) averaged 141 and Josh Toole (Bathurst) averaged 57. On paper they're not too bad." Orange batsman Jason Beasley will be making his debut in the Mitchell under 16 side and is looking forward to a weekend of cricket. "It should be high quality games and a good test for me," the 15-year-old said. Paxton just wants the players to enjoy themselves. "You want to make sure they enjoy it and if they do perform well they've got the chance to be selected in the Bradman Cup side," Paxton said. Mitchell plays Lachlan in their 50 over game tomorrow and Macquarie Valley takes on North West in the opening round.

MITCHELL: Brad Cady (Bathurst), Jason Beasley (Orange), Will Medcalf (Orange), Lachlan Mussing (Blue Mountains), Scott Rosser (Orange), Josh Toole (Bathurst), Andrew West (Blue Mountains), Marc Williams (Orange), Toby Blefari (Blue Mountains), Sean Bowman (Lithgow), Ryan Smiles (Bathurst), Bill Thompson (Kinross). Coach: Ian Paxton.

JASON'S UP: Orange's Jason Beasley will debut for the Mitchell under 16s in the Western Zone Carnival starting tomorrow in Orange. Photo: TRACEY SHARP Williams adapts to carnival atmosphere

02 Oct, 2005 05:28 PM

ORANGE new ball bowler Marc Williams did his Bradman Cup prospects no harm with an impressive display in the Reliance Western Zone under 16 carnival which finished in Orange yesterday. Williams' Mitchell side won two of their three matches but lost out to Macquarie Valley on a countback as carnival champions. Macquarie Valley all-rounder Tim Armstrong, who scored a blazing century against Lachlan yesterday after half centuries in his first two games, won the Lloyd Keir Trophy for man of the series. Williams enjoyed a good carnival with figures of 1- 11 off 10 overs against Lachlan, 2-13 off nine overs against Macquarie Valley and 3-29 off 10 overs in Mitchell's win against Far North West yesterday. Orange's James Read (2-33), playing for Far North West, sparked a sensational collapse at the top of the Mitchell order yesterday as Brad Cady (Bathurst), Will Medcalf (Orange) and Jason Beasley (Orange) all went for ducks. But Lachlan Mussing (Blue Mountains) with 90 and Bathurst's Josh Toole with 64no helped Mitchell to a total of 7-201. Kinross' Bill Thompson, backing up from 4-22 in Mitchell's four wicket win against Macquarie Valley on Saturday, played another major role in restricting Far North West to 176 with 2-9 from five overs. Orange's Scott Rosser, who missed out with the bat at the carnival, chipped in with 2-27 yesterday after 2-6 against Macquarie. Mussing was Mitchell's star player with scores of 65 not out against Macquarie Valley and 90 against Far North West. Lachlan went into yesterday's final round unbeaten but were thumped by Macquarie Valley 5-265 to 110. Western Zone selectors will use the carnival as a selection guide for this season's Bradman Cup side.

CHARGING IN: Orange’s James Read bends his back for Far North West against Lachlan on Saturday. Read took 1-38 from 10 overs. Photo: TRACEY SHARP

Hannah makes grade

BY MICHELLE COOK 09 Nov, 2005 06:58 AM CRICKET

HANNAH Grady's lengthy representative cricket season became longer yesterday when she was named in the NSW Under 15 women's side. Grady was awaiting selection after vice-captaining NSW Country to a 2-0 series win over City at Mudgee on the weekend. The 15-year-old was named as part of the 13-player squad which will contest the Cricket Australia under 15 Women's Championships in December. "I'm very excited and honoured," Grady smiled. Grady was a stand-out for Country on Sunday top scoring with 33 in her side's 6-83. "After getting run out for a duck on the first day I was a bit nervous," she said. "But I made up for it on Sunday. I felt the pressure to perform because all the selectors were there the second day. I did all right under the pressure." She also claimed a run out and took two catches on Sunday helping her to player of the match honours. Grady also performed well at the NSW Country Championships in Maitland last month where she captained the Western Zone under 19 side. The NSW squad will attend a Talent Athlete Program (TAP) for three days in Narrabeen. The Australian Championships will be held in Melbourne and Grady has already through about her goals. "I just want to perform with the bat and get some runs," Grady said. "I'm not sure whether I'll be bowling or not. I might have a few overs but I'm not sure." Grady also has her time filled with the Orange City under 15s side and the Orange boys' under 14s representative team. She is also expected to be in the Mitchell under 16 girls' side. Having all these cricket commitments doesn't bother Grady. "My season started early. I love cricket. I'd play it all year round if I could," she said. Grady and NSW side will contest the Australian Championships from December 15 to 19 in Melbourne.

NSW UNDER 15s: Angela Reakes (c-North Coast), Sarah Coyte (vc-Campbelltown-Camden), Rhiannon Dick (Bankstown), Rachael Giggins (Gordon), Hannah Grady (Western), Melissa Harrison (South Coast), Rachel Hui (Northern District), Clare Koski (wk-Campbelltown-Camden), Brodie Neems (Central Coast), Alicia Newton (Penrith), Kara Sutherland (North Coast), Kirsten Swan (North Coast), Kate Waetford (Hawkesbury), Emma Towe (shadow-Penrith), Martin Garoni (coach), Sally Curry (manager).

STATE SELECTION: Orange's Hannah Grady has added the NSW Under 15 women's cricket team to her list of representative sides this season. Photo: JUDE KEOGH Century stand puts Blues in strong position

21 Feb, 2006 07:17 AM

UNDER 13s SJS Blue 8-211 v Calare - THE Blues' recent good form was on show again at Moulder Park on day one of the two-day clash against Calare. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Blues openers Luke Coleman and Tom Green survived the new ball attack and put on 26 for the first wicket before Green went LBW for 7. Sam Dwyer looked to be in good touch before holing out for seven and Coleman made a patient 13. When Jared Kerr went first ball after the drinks break for four, the Blues looked to be struggling at 4-50. However, when Hamish Finlayson joined Ben Gosper at the crease the complexion of the game changed. A partnership of 105 runs at close to a run a ball was broken only when Finlayson retired on 50no. Gosper went soon after for 38 but the damage had already been done with some clever shot selection and placement and excellent running between the wickets. Some big hitting from the lower order rubbed salt into the Calare wounds as the Blues went on with the job to finish with 8-211 off their 50 overs. Josh Tracey (14), Tristan Harrison (5) and Mitch Gibson (11) made solid contributions and Tom Wright (8) and Daniel Cullinane (12) were the not out batsmen. Calare will start their innings next week.

MIDDLE OF THE BAT: SJS Westruss’ Thomas Cheney hits out against Kinross. Photo: STEVE GOSCH

Century stand helps Orange 16s achieve grand result

BY OLIVER MURRAY 07 Mar, 2006 07:16 AM

JAMES Dowler and Rob Close combined for a 135-run third wicket stand before spinner Jayden Gardner took five wickets in Orange's win against Bathurst in the Mitchell Cricket Council under 16 grand final. After losing the toss, Orange were sent at Riawena Oval on Sunday with Steve Kostoglou (41) and Nick Polhill (22) getting the unbeaten side off to a strong start. At 2-87 Dowler (79no) and Close (72) combined with their century partnership helping Orange to 4-248 from their 50 overs. Close then dismissed openers Brad Cady (4) and Brendan Inwood (3) to have Bathurst struggling at 2-10 before Gardner started his spell. Gardner took 5-22 from nine overs, taking all but two of the rest of the wickets, as Bathurst finished at 9-129 from 50 overs. "Rob Close took 2-7 from his six overs and Bathurst were never really going to win from there," Orange coach Mark Gardner said. "They've been the best team all year and they really played well in the grand final. "I was a bit surprised when they sent us in to bat actually." Best for Bathurst was Corey Nash (32) before being stumped off Gardner's bowling, while Ryan Smiles (2-56) picked up a double in Orange's innings. Mudgee won the under 14 title with a last wicket, last over win against Bathurst, while Blue Mountains had a convincing win over Mudgee in the under 12 grand final.

WITH EASE: Orange opening bowler Bill Thompson sends one down in his side's easy win against Bathurst in the under 16 grand final on Sunday. Photo: STEVE GOSCH

No splitting team leaders

04 Apr, 2006 07:10 AM

SJS CRICKET

LEADING their sides to premiership success and playing representative cricket seemed to be the pinnacle of the season for Hamish Finlayson and John Warrington, but little did either know that they would share the inaugural title of Kelly's Bistro SJS Junior cricketer of the Year. Hamish, captain of the 13s and John, captain of the 12s, performed well enough for Michael Harris, CYMS senior president, to be unable to split them. In what is a rare double both are opening bowlers and middle order batsmen and have played together over the years. They are also good friends. John has scored 237 runs and taken 14 wickets and Hamish has scored 244 runs and grabbed 11 wickets. Both are representative players, Hamish with the 14s and John with the 12s. The only difference is John has spent a large part of the season playing senior cricket with CYMS. Both players had to beat a strong field to win the award including under 15 run machine Luke Sullivan and outstanding 11 year old James Ryan. Other players nominated were James Mann, Luke Petrie and Daniel Cooper.

BEST AT SJS: Hamish Finlayson and John Warrington. Photo STEVE GOSCH

Off-season camp a hit

BY JOE BARTON 07 Jul, 2006 07:07 AM

The Central West's finest young cricketers meet in Orange today for the first Western Zone Cricket Academy camp for 2006. Among them will be Orange's James Dowler, Rob Close and Sandy Rodgers, who will be competing for a place in the Western Zone Under 17 Representative team along with the rest of the 19-man squad. Their nervous excitement and the familiar surroundings will hopefully be enough to give them an edge over the competition. "I think it's great, it's always good to have things in Orange," said Close. "I know Sandy pretty well, I play cricket with him at the same club and we go to the same school, and it's good to have a few mates and faces you know going into it." While the timing of the intensive three-day camp and one-day clinics may come as a surprise with the sporting world still gripped by the football season, Close appreciates the off-season training. "It should be good, it's always good to get a bit of a hit in during the off-season," he said. "It should help us with our batting and bowling techniques, apparently they have a bunch of good coaches coming." The camp will be run by NSW Cricket Regional Cricket Officer Max Shepherd while former NSW opening batsman Matthew Phelps will give a batting seminar. When asked whether he would be interested in the involvement of Phelps, Dowler sparked up. "Oh definitely, he's a NSW batsman, so you'll listen to what he says." Despite Rob being built like a fast bowler, both players admitted they preferred wielding willow as opposed to flinging leather, classifying themselves as middle-order batsmen, before Dowler corrected his teammate: "you're late middle order I reckon". Despite the friendly banter between the two, both hope to show their competitive side at the academy. "I'd like to say I was confident about making the rep team, but I'll have to wait and see and have a go at the training sessions," said Dowler. "I reckon it'd be a great experience to play against other players in the State." And do they have dreams of one day donning the baggy green cap? Not just yet! "I reckon finish school would be the focus at the moment and see what happens from there I guess," they said.

Good mates but cricket rivals: James Dowler (left) and Rob Close head into camp today. Photo: Tracey Johns

Kiel cleans up with 13 scalps in one day

BY MICHELLE COOK 04 Dec, 2006 07:08 AM

KIEL Sinclair took 13 wickets in two matches on Saturday. The 17-year-old took an amazing 8-1 for Waratahs in his open junior match against SJS Kelly's Bistro on Saturday morning. In the afternoon he played second grade for Waratahs against CYMS Moroneys and kept his form going to claim 5-15. Not bad for a guy who didn't want to get out of bed in the morning. In the open junior match at Anzac Park, Waratahs batted first and finished on 6-130. Sinclair had the second best score of 23. He picked up the ball and took a wicket in his first over for figures of 1-1. The medium-pacer normally bowls four over spells but, with his figures at 6-1, he asked to have one more over. It took three balls and he claimed another two wickets and closed the game out. "I was shocked," Sinclair said of his form. His opening partner Brett Mackin, who earlier top scored for Waratahs with 26, took 2-6 off his four overs, three of which were maidens. These impressive bowling figures gave Waratahs their first win of the season. Sinclair was rewarded for his stellar performance with lunch at McDonalds and then went to Jack Brabham for Waratahs' second grade match against CYMS Moroneys. It might been only his second second grade match but it didn't show. Sinclair captured the second best figures of his career when he took 5-15 off six overs, including two maidens. Not even the teenager could believe his form. "It didn't stop," he smiled. "I felt better the more wickets I took." Sinclair said he felt stiff yesterday mainly because of Saturday's excitement. He looks to have cemented a place in Waratahs' second grade line-up for the rest of the season. Sinclair has never played representative cricket before but hopes to work his way into the first grade Waratahs line-up in the coming years. So, does he think he can produce those sorts of figures again? "I can only try," he said. REASON TO SMILE: Kiel Sinclair showed he can bowl with the best of them in juniors and seniors when he produced his two best figures on Saturday. Photo: MICHELLE COOK

Rob laps up a diet of representative cricket

BY BEN DREWE 05 Dec, 2006 07:14 AM

ROB Close is well and truly having a long summer. The 16-year old has been selected for the Western Zone colts squad in what is his eighth representative team selection this season. Close has been picked in the Orange open team; Mitchell, Western Zone, Southern Country and NSW Country under 17's sides and the Orange, Mitchell and now Western Zone colts. These teams are on top of his commitments to his Kinross team that plays in Royal Hotel Cup, Orange second grade and Macquarie Bank Cup. The all-rounder is happy with his hectic schedule and revealed this selection was unexpected. "It's pretty full-on but it's not too bad," Close said of his cricket schedule. "It was pretty surprising. I didn't really do much at the (Western Zone) carnival." Close made two and took 0-14 off three overs against Lachlan, then backed up with 19 and 0-30 off eight overs against Macquarie. Western will contest the Southern Country Colts Carnival in Orange on Saturday and Sunday with a place in the Southern NSW Colts team a possibility for Close. The Kinross student is impressed with the calibre of his new team-mates and thinks Western will be a good chance against Southern Zone at Wade Park on Friday. "It seems pretty strong," Close said. "They are all great players so it should be fairly strong." Close is one of only two Mitchell players selected for the Western Zone team with Mudgee's James O'Brien named captain after a stellar carnival at Wellington where he scored 99 and 80 and took three wickets. The Orange player thinks some of his Mitchell colleagues were unlucky not to win a place in the Western team. "I think they are (hard done by)," Close said. "A few of the blokes played really well. "I thought there was a few good Mitchell bowlers." Western plays Southern on Saturday at Wade Park while Riverina and Illawarra clash at Bloomfield. The winners will then play on Sunday at Wade Park with the losers facing each other at Bloomfield.

HECTIC SUMMER: Rob Close.

Make a date to catch Jason

15 Jan, 2007 07:53 AM

He may only just be going into year eight but there are big things already tipped for Cowra junior cricketer Jason Date - and he has the accolades to prove it. The 13-year-old was the star of the Western cricket under 13 carnival which concluded in Orange two weeks ago. In that competition he took out the bowling awards for the most wickets and best average of any other bowler. The Kinross boarder captured a total of 11 wickets at a miserly average of 4.73. A five-wicket haul against the ACT and 5/4 against Wagga were the highlights of his tournament. He showed his all-round abilities by also taking out the fielding award for the carnival. When asked about his accomplishment at the recent under 13's carnival, Date was very modest. "It was good, I bowled well," he said. "I just focused on one spot on the pitch and just frustrated the batsman." His future cricket ambitions are equally as modest. "I'm at Kinross at the moment looking to get into the first team and when I get older I might go to Sydney." Date said he doesn't mind boarding at a school away from his family home in Cowra. "It's good being around your mates all the time always being active by playing sport with them. "At the moment (school holidays) it's awesome meeting up with mates from primary school." Considering his method of operation in dismissing batsman, it's no surprise that Date rates Glenn McGrath as his cricketing idol - possibly the most accurate fast bowler ever to have played the game. "He is so consistent and despite all the off-field stuff with his wife he is still good." The good news for Cowra residents is Date will showcase his talents to his home town this week when he competes for Western in the southern New South Wales under 14's carnival to be played at Twigg and Holman Oval. The carnival will include teams from the Riverina and the Illawarra and will last for three days beginning on Friday.

Former Cowra junior cricketer Jason Date will be playing this weekend at the U14s Carnival.

They can bat and can bowl

BY MICHELLE COOK 02 Mar, 2007 07:12 AM

ORANGE'S under 12s cricket side has no shortage of batsmen and bowlers. Almost all the talented youngsters can bat and bowl. This will work in their favour when they take on Bathurst on Sunday in the Mitchell under 12s grand final. The Orange side is undefeated and coach Allan Harper hopes they can continue the winning streak on Sunday. "It seems to be a good combination," Harper said. "They're keen to learn. There's some talent there." The Orange players have had some outstanding individual and team results during the representative season, including belting 250 runs against Mudgee. "Joe Sangster scored 73 against Mudgee," Harper said. "Jackson Sinclair scored 77 not out against Blue Mountains. Liam Gough took 6-7 off five overs against Lithgow. Mitchell Maker too three-for in one game. Nick Lukins has been outstanding in the field." Harper said the boys made the most of training each week and were keen to learn and work on their skills. There's certainly no dulling their enthusiasm with the players always asking when they can bat and when it's their turn to bowl. Orange and Bathurst will square off at Anzac Park from 10am on Sunday.

BRING IT ON (right): Orange's under 12s side is ready to take on Bathurst in the Mitchell grand final. Photo: MICHELLE COOK 0228mctwelves2

If the hat fits, wear it

BY BEN BRENNAN 25 Mar, 2007 05:39 PM

THE message from St Joseph's Sheahan Junior Cricket Club is 'take pride in your broad brimmed hat'. The broader style of hat is typically not popular with children but the club has come up with a novel way of attaching a sense of pride to them. Instead of trophies, this year the club handed out hats to players in the younger, non-competitive grades. St Joseph's Sheahan Junior Cricket president, Steve Warrington says it is about building the habit while they are still young and getting a sun smart message across. "The kids took to it really well, They're running about with their St Joseph's hats and playing in them," Mr Warrington said. "They all look like part of a team and they're really happy with it." St Joseph's Primary School principal Michael Croke says he is happy sporting clubs are becoming involved with sun safety messages. "We have a 'no hat, no play' policy at the school and it's good to see the sporting clubs becoming an extension of that," Mr Croke said. Broad brimmed hats are recognised by the Cancer Council as being far more effective than baseball caps in protecting against skin cancer. PART OF A TEAM: Sam Pasquali and his team-mates are embracing the sun smart message and showing their team pride at the same time.

Bowlers ensure Sheahan takes win

BY MICHELLE COOK 01 Nov, 2007 06:12 AM

JAMES Sheahan opened its Dale McIntosh Trophy campaign with a win on Monday. An outstanding bowling display helped James Sheahan defeated Orange High in the inter-school competition. The Sheahan bowlers were able to remove Orange for just 62 as John Warrington ripped through the batting line up to take 5-10 off his five overs. Ben Gosper also claimed 2-6 off his five overs and James Vaughan (1-6) and Travis Roweth (1-0) took a wicket each. Orange High openers Alex little (17) and Kane Gardner (10) were the only ones able to reach double figures as the rest of the batting line-up fell away. James Sheahan was able to reach 3-64 to win in 14 overs with Warrington (19no), Roweth (14no) and Vaughan (11) batting well. Lewis Freeth (1-14) and Samuel Coyte (1-13) took wickets for Orange High. This was the first of six games played between Orange schools. The next game is scheduled for this afternoon between Canobolas High and Kinross Wolaroi. The competition is a round-robin format and the team with the most wins claims the trophy.

Orange High’s Alex Little watches his shot in Monday’s Dale McIntosh Trophy match against James Sheahan.

More than prepared

BY MICHELLE COOK 03 Nov, 2007 05:39 PM

HANNAH Grady is more than prepared for this weekend’s City versus Country clash on the Central Coast. Grady has spent plenty of time in her cricket whites leading up to the two games this weekend where she will play with the Country under 17s side. As well as playing in the Orange City under 17s boys team in Orange, she is part of the Orange under 16 representative side and this season is in the first 11 for the Sydney Cricket Club in the Sydney women’s first grade competition. “I’m playing heaps of cricket at the moment,” Grady said. The 17-year-old played second grade in Sydney last season but has secured a permanent spot in the first grade team this season. She has played two of the four rounds so far as she has had to juggle her representative commitments with the Orange under 16s side as well. Grady said she is already learning a lot about the women’s game. “Our captain, Leonie Coleman, has played for Australia and knows the game inside out,” Grady said. “I’ve been learning about field placements and strategies to stop the runs coming when I’m bowling. I try and take in as much as I can.” They should be close games because the talent is very even between both sides. Grady is the only spinner in the Sydney side and has performed well in her first two games this season. She took 2-32 off nine in her side’s win over Gordon and backed it up two weeks later with 0-36 off six against Wallsend with her off spin. This weekend she will play the role of an all-rounder for the NSW Country side. She expects an even match up against their City rivals in their two one-day games. “They should be close games because the talent is very even between both sides,” she said. “We’ll give them a good run for their money.” This will be Grady’s fourth year in a NSW Country side having been selected in the under 15s twice and now earned a second start in the under 17s. Next year she will move up to the under 19s. A NSW under 17s side will be selected following this weekend’s games and Grady admits it would be nice to earn a place in the state team. “It would be a great honour if I was selected, but if not, that’s fine too,” she said. The sides will play 45-over matches today and tomorrow, weather permitting.

Kinross secures shield hat-trick

29 Nov, 2007 06:09 AM

KINROSS Wolaroi School has won the Dale McIntosh Shield for the third straight year. The limited-overs competition for years seven and eight students involved Kinross Wolaroi School, Canobolas Rural Technology High School, Orange High School and James Sheahan Catholic High School. KWS was undefeated, including a first-up win against second placed James Sheahan 133-117. In the second game KWS scored 150 to defeat Canobolas High who fought bravely. In the final game, KWS dismissed OHS for 75. OHS bowled and fielded well and KWS were 6-76 when they passed the OHS total. KWS captain Jason Date made three unbeaten scores of 30 and also starred with the ball. Joel Taylor was also

outstanding with fine bowling in all of the 25-over games.

Liam ready to rip in for the Blues...

BY MICHELLE COOK 04 Dec, 2007 07:02 AM

ORANGE'S Liam Gough is about to cross off four impressive things on his cricketing to-do list. Next month he will go to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the first time, watch Australia play, meet the Australian cricket team and then represent NSW at a national championships. The St Mary's Primary School student was selected in the NSW Primary School Sports Association boys cricket side after helping Polding to third place at last week's championships. The fast bowler forced selectors to name him in the side with his precise and economical bowling. In his three spells of four overs each he took 2-7, 1-10 and 1-12. When it came time to announce the NSW team there was some confusion. “I didn't think they'd called my name,” Liam said. “There was another kid called Liam Godling and I thought they'd called his name. “My team had to tell me that it was me. I was pretty surprised.” The NSW team will play in the School Sport Australia Exchange from January 5 but before then they have some important people to meet. They will go to the SCG where the Australian cricket team will present the young players with their NSW hats. The students will get to watch Australia play India for a day in the test series. Liam admits meeting the Australian players is likely to be the most exciting part of this adventure. The 12-year-old has been playing cricket for four years and this season is in the SJS Kmart under 13s side. He is also in Orange's under 14s representative team and last season in the under 12s took his best bowling figures of 6-7 off five overs. He might have talent but he hasn't been refining his skills in the backyard. “I have three sisters and they can't play,” Liam laughed. “I have to improvise. I play with the back wall at home.” The St Mary's vice-captain is confident NSW will be competitive at the national tournament where they will come up against ACT, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria. The School Sport Australia Exchange will be held in Cobram/Barooga on the NSW-Victorian border from January 5-12.

RARE OPPORTUNITY: Orange cricketer Liam Gough will meet the Australian cricket team next month after being selected in the NSW Primary School Sports Association boys cricket team.

WESTERN ZONE Players – Announced December 2007

Under-16s (Bradman Cup): Kieran Brien (Wellington), Joey Couglan (Bathurst), Jason Date (Kinross, Cowra), Peter Guthrie (Canowindra), Jacob Harvey (Yeoval), Edward Haylock (Dubbo), James McQuiggan (Mudgee), Jordan Peacock (Dubbo), David Sellers (Oberon), Mick Shurmer (Kelso), Ben Spring (Young), Ben Trevor-Jones (Bathurst), Tim Wright (Parkes). Coach: Alan Rees (Forbes). Manager: David Tink (Dubbo).

Under-14s: Luke Cosgrove (Wattamondara), Josh Doherty (Orange), Kane Gardner (Orange), Joseph Haylock (Dubbo), Jesse Henry (Mudgee), Declan Hoare (Nyngan), Michael Lewin (Dubbo), Wade Potter (Cobar), Luke Sheppard (Lithgow), Myles Smith (Forbes), Brendan Westcott (Peak Hill). Coach: Chris Parato (Cowra). Manager: Matt Tabbernor (Orange).

Mighty Mal’s magic

BY MICHELLE COOK 18 Dec, 2007 07:34 AM

IF MAL Davis thought his hat-trick in an Orange under 13s cricket match was amazing, he had no idea what was to come. The 11-year-old took five wickets in five consecutive balls to help SJS Peter Smith Chemmart to victory on Saturday. Davis achieved the rare triple hat-trick at Anzac Park in his second over. “I tried to wake myself up because I thought I was dreaming,” Davis said. “(My team-mates) picked me up and went psycho.” The medium paceman said he wasn’t doing anything special with the ball – he was just bowling. “I didn’t think about it at all, I just did it,” he smiled. “I was lucky.” Davis was no-balled for his first ball of the second over but then he didn’t waste another delivery. His first wicket came when James Ryan took a catch in the covers. The second ball was caught by wicketkeeper Angus Niven and Ryan was there again to catch the third wicket in the covers. Davis clean bowled the final two batsmen to end the game and finish a stellar spell with the ball. “I just kinda stood there and wondered how it had happened,” Davis said. Coach Steve Ryan was understandably proud of the young bowler’s achievement. “Saturday was a day you had to see to believe,” Ryan said. “He gets a wicket every now and then so he was happy when he took the first one. When he got the second one the boys went berserk. I tried to wake myself up because I thought I was dreaming. “He bowled the last two and that was game over so the boys carried him off the field. He’s always at training and doing his best.” Davis expects he might get more time with the ball now but he’s not expecting to repeat his phenomenal wicket-taking form again soon. He does have aspirations to play representative cricket for Orange.

Mal Davis took an unbelievable five wickets off five balls in his junior cricket match on Saturday. Photo digitally enhanced by MARK LOGAN

Liam excited about Western test

BY BEN DREWE 14 Jan, 2009 03:14 PM

ORANGE’S Liam Gough will contest the under 14s southern Kookaburra Cup for the first time this weekend in Hay - but he may be able to lay claim to being the only player at the carnival with open first grade experience. Gough, 13, has been picked in the Western Zone side for the under 14s tournament and has also been bestowed with the honour of captaining the team. The all-rounder has played two first grade games for Cavaliers this season after making his top grade debut last season as a 12-year-old. Tomorrow will be Gough’s Western Zone debut and he believes he has not been selected previously as he was too young, despite playing first grade last season. He is expecting the Kookaburra Cup competition to be a “big step up” but thinks playing with and against some of Orange’s best talent has helped his game immensely. “It’s helped me a lot,” Gough said of his first grade experience. “I’ve learnt a whole lot from the older guys, they’ve taught me heaps and it’s a big advantage.” Gough is the only Orange player picked in the side, although Matt Tabbernor is another from the city involved with the squad as coach. The prodigious Cavaliers talent was not expecting the honour of captaining the side but knows the importance the position holds. “I was shocked when I found out at first but now I’m just happy being captain of such a great team,” he said. And while knowing little about what to expect of the standard of their opponents at the carnival, the skipper is adamant Western Zone will perform well against Southern, Riverina and Illawarra. “We’ve got a good batting attack as well as bowling, so it’s pretty much a good team all-round,” Gough said. “We should have a pretty good chance, I reckon.” Western Zone play the first of three games tomorrow in Hay, with the carnival concluding on Sunday.

SURPRISE SKIPPER: Orange’s Liam Gough will captain Western Zone at the under 14s southern Kookaburra Cup carnival this weekend.

Mitchell selection a shock for Jason

BY BEN DREWE 05 Feb, 2009 06:02 PM

SELECTION bolter Jason Date played for Mitchell’s under 16s earlier this season but will today be thrown to the lions as he plays for the open team against Macquarie Valley in the Western Zone tri-series. Date is one of five Orange players, including four from Kinross, in the Mitchell side and his selection has come as a big surprise, especially to Date himself. The 15-year-old Kinross batsman made his Orange District Cricket Association first grade debut last season, but has only managed to hold down his position this campaign. He still plays in Orange’s under 16s competition and never thought he would be playing for the Mitchell open team today in Dubbo against Macquarie. “I was pretty surprised about that, it was a bit of a shock,” Date said. “I didn’t even consider it until (Kinross coach) Mark Gardner told me on Tuesday at training and I said ‘no way am I a shot in that’. “But then he told me that night I was in the team. “I’ve played 21s for Orange, I played a bit of junior cricket - Western Zone 16s and Mitchell 16s - but no real men’s cricket as of yet. “It should be a good opportunity and a really good experience on Friday. I’m looking forward to it.” The right-handed batsman appreciates having Kinross team-mates Jayden Gardner, Jackson Coote and Chris Tremain around him today and believes that will help him feel comfortable in the Mitchell team among older players. Date should also feel pretty comfortable out in the middle today should he get an opportunity with the bat. He scored an unbeaten century last Saturday in Kinross’ win over Waratahs and is hoping to continue riding the wave of good form. “It was pretty amazing to get a hundred,” he said. “I got 99 at the start of the season and I thought that was pretty good but I have just got to hold on to it for as long as it lasts I guess.” The 15-year-old may get a chance with the bat today, as the Mitchell outfit is littered with inexperience. Mudgee’s Steve Knight will captain the team and he is the most experienced batsman, as the rest of the order are relative novices at this level. But even the likes of Gardner and Findlay have more representative matches to draw upon than Date, which has the newcomer happy to pitch in wherever he can. FIRST DATE: Kinross batsman Jason Date will play for the Mitchell open team for the first time today when they face Macquarie in Dubbo. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0205kinross3

SJS club lays down bushfire challenge

BY MICHELLE COOK 13 Feb, 2009 07:17 PM

BUSHFIRE APPEAL

ON a cricket pitch the SJS junior cricket players may not be able to match it with Orange’s senior players. But this hasn’t stopped the kids issuing them a challenge. The SJS Junior Cricket Club is donating $500 to the Victorian bushfire appeal and want Orange’s senior clubs to see if they can match them. The Orange Junior Cricket Association has already matched the donation and is backing the SJS club’s challenge to the senior clubs. “This is absolutely because of the devastation caused by the bushfires in Victoria,” Orange juniors president Steve Warrington said. “The club is not poor off for dollars. Last year we had a trivia night and donated all the proceeds to charity.” In fact, they’re not just challenging Orange’s cricketing clubs. “Initially we just thought maybe the other clubs and associations might like to try and match us. Now we want to challenge every sports club in Orange,” Warrington said. They are also asking Mitchell Cricket Council secretary Carl Sharpe to issue the challenge to the other cricket associations in the region. So, the kids have set the challenge. Now it’s up to Orange’s sporting clubs to try and match it.

BRING IT ON: Members of the SJS Junior Cricket Club are challenging Orange’s sporting clubs to match their $500 donation to the Victorian bushfire appeal. Pictured are (back) Sam Johnston, Fletcher Johnson, Lachlan Fardell, Addie Johnson, (front) Jack Sharpe and Andrew Borschtsch. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0212challenge

Wait well worth it for youngster

BY MICHELLE COOK 04 Mar, 2009 07:07 AM

BEN Taylor had a few heart-pounding moments before his name was called at the Polding boys’ cricket trials last month. The St Joseph’s Primary School student is the only Orange player selected in the representative side for Catholic schools in northern NSW. “I’m pretty excited,” Ben smiled. “Mine was the last name they called out, so my heart was pumping.” The trials were held at Newcastle late last month where the boys had to show their skills with the bat and ball, as well as in the field. Ben thought he performed well at the trials and was thrilled to hear his name called out as part of the Polding team. The 11-year-old and the entire Polding side will have plenty of time to prepare for the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association championships, as they won’t be held until November. Lismore will host the four-day championships from November 23-26, where the best players in the state will do battle. This is Ben’s first time in the Polding side but he has no shortage of representative experience. The all-rounder played in the Orange and Mitchell under 12s representative sides this season. Ben’s best bowling figures are 3-2 off five overs, which he took in a representative match. His top score with the bat is 49 not out and he has also scored 44 during a representative match this season. Taylor will join forces with an opponent in the Polding side, as Bathurst’s Jeremy Judge was also selected.

STEPPING UP: Ben Taylor has been selected in the Polding side for the NSW PSSA boys’ cricket championships. Mac bowls ’em with big heart

BY JANICE HARRIS 29 Sep, 2009 07:55 AM

ENTHUSIASTIC young cricketer Mac Reith-Snare, 10, has bowled over his family and friends with his generosity. For his recent birthday party Mac sent guests instructions not to bring a gift, but to donate to the McGrath Foundation for breast cancer research and treatment. His mum Fiona said Mac first became interested in cricket during the media coverage of Jane McGrath’s battle with cancer when Mac was about eight. “I just thought Holly and James (McGrath) were left to grow up without their mum and I wanted to do something because I’ve still got mine,” he said. Mac’s 12 birthday guests donated a combined $230 and the birthday boy made a donation instead of receiving a gift from his parents Fiona and Stewart and younger sister Eva. Mac, who is in Year 4 at Bletchington Public School, has made his parents proud. “It was still a wonderful birthday and Mac, Eva and all the kids really enjoyed themselves,” said Fiona. Mac said he was now focusing on the cricket season. “I try to get in as much practice as I can. I think I’m more of a bowler, like Glenn McGrath,” he said. “I guess you would say I am a medium pace.” Fiona said her son’s idea to donate his birthday money to the McGrath Foundation was well thought out. “I decided at the start of the year this is what I wanted to do,” Mac said.

AIMING HIGH: Mac Reith-Snare, 10 didn’t want any presents on his birthday and in lieu of gifts donated to the McGrath Foundation.

Rapid rise continues for Country girl

BY BEN DREWE 29 Oct, 2009 07:16 AM

CUDAL cricketer Addie Johnson has been successful in making representative teams at her first try and that was the case with her selection in the NSW Country under 15 girls’ side. Johnson will play for Country this week on the Central Coast against a City team after earning Country selection for the first time. The 14-year-old tried out for the Orange representative team last season and made it, being the only girl selected in the predominantly boys’ team. She then tried her luck at getting picked in the Western Zone under 15 girls’ team this season and was successful, also earning the honour of co-captaining the side with Bathurst’s Rebecca Cady at the Country Championships over the October long weekend. Johnson impressed with the bat at the Newcastle carnival and was named in the Country team after playing for Western for the first time. The further representative honour was a surprise for the SJS junior, who was just pleased with her performances in helping Western take out the under 15s Country Championship. “It was my first year in the Western team and I wasn’t expecting it because usually it takes a couple of years to get in,” she said. “So I wasn’t expecting it and I was pretty happy overall with just how I played, but then my name got called out and I was (happy). “This is my fourth year (playing cricket) and this is actually the first year I have tried out for heaps of stuff. “Last year, I tried out for rep and I got in. That was my first rep (team) and this year I tried out and I got in (the Orange team) and then I tried out for the under 15 girls’ Western and I got in that as co-captain and then I got into Country.” Johnson thinks her charmed streak of gaining selection in representative teams at the first try will end with Country, though, as she believes she needs to improve further to push for a place in the state team. “I think that will take a couple of years because there are some pretty good players in the country team,” she said.

COUNTRY CALLING: Addie Johnson will play for Country this week after impressing at the Country Cricket Championships with Western Zone’s under 15 girls’ team.

Gough’s star continues to rise

BY BEN DREWE 11 Nov, 2009 06:58 AM

LIAM Gough has a full schedule of cricket commitments and his time will be spread even thinner next month when he plays for Combined Catholic Colleges at the under 15 NSW All Schools carnival in Campbelltown. The 14-year-old already plays juniors and first grade for Cavaliers on top of Orange and Mitchell under 16s commitments. Gough will now head to Campbelltown for the under 15 All Schools carnival on December 7-8 and he is happy to fit in even more cricket. The James Sheahan Catholic High School student is finding playing under numerous coaches is helping his game as he is shown different ways of doing things. “I’m improving a lot, learning stuff from all of the coaches and older fellas, so it’s good,” Gough said. The promising seamer was selected in the CCC team last week after a trial in Sydney. Those trying out had a nets session at the SCG and got to watch NSW players train before playing Twenty20 games on the second day of the two-day trial. Gough’s selection in the CCC squad is another feather in his cap as he still has another year left in the under 15 age group.

SCHOOLS SELECTION: Liam Gough has been picked to play at the under 15 All Schools carnival in Campbelltown next month.

Mitchell bowlers too good for Lachlan

17 Nov, 2009 07:04 AM

MITCHELL proved hard to beat in Orange on Sunday as the cricket council won three of the four age groups played against Lachlan. The hosts beat Lachlan in the under 12 boys, under 14 boys and open girls, but lost the under 16 boys. In the under 12s at Riawena Oval, Mitchell did well to reach 9-157 from their 50 overs as the pitch made life difficult for batsmen. Connor Farnell top scored with 32 for Mitchell, while Harry Rees also made a handy contribution with 29. Mitchell then made light work of the Lachlan order, bowling them out for 62, with Charlie Cooper (2- 6), Ben Taylor (2-7), Ryan Peacock (2-9) and Daniel Donato (2-16) good with the ball. In the under 14s at Jack Brabham Park, Charles Litchfield starred with 53 as Mitchell made 8-189 batting first. Lachlan were never in the hunt and were bowled out for 75 as Alex Crowther (2- 10) and Pat Madden (2-24) took two wickets each. The Mitchell girls were also successful at Glenroi Oval as they recorded a 31-run win over Lachlan. Mitchell batted first and captain Rebecca Cady top scored with 52 as the hosts made 140. Cudal’s Addie Johnson (4-9) and Sommer Alcorn (3-9) then did the damage with the ball as Mitchell bowled Lachlan out for 109. And in the under 16 boys at Jack Brabham Park, Lachlan opener Aaron Wilkie blasted a century to see the visitors set Mitchell 232 runs from 50 overs for victory. Skipper Troy Kenny led from the front scoring 57 for Mitchell but it wasn’t enough as the hosts were bowled out for 167.

TOP SCORER: Conner Farnell top scored for Mitchell under 12 with 32 as they beat Lachlan on Sunday.

Pluymers steps in to help his father

BY BEN DREWE 16 Dec, 2009 07:14 AM

LIAM Pluymers was chuffed on Saturday afternoon as he got the chance to play cricket alongside his father, Adrian. It may have only been for a brief two overs during CYMS Moroneys’ 10-wicket Orange District Cricket Association second grade win over Cavaliers Youth, but it was still a highlight for the 11-year-old. He may also be the youngest player to ever play senior cricket for CYMS even though he was just a substitute fielder. CYMS Moroneys only had 10 players, with one arriving late, and this led to captain Steve Mullins calling on Pluymers to take the field. The SJS Apple City Embroidery under 12s player fielded three balls in the two overs, including saving runs on two occasions off his father’s bowling. And this brief appearance has Adrian content with his time in cricket. “Dad said he can retire now that he’s played with me,” Liam said. SENIOR CALL: Liam Pluymers could be the youngest person to play senior cricket for CYMS after appearing in the field in second grade on Saturday.

High-flying CYMS to help out juniors

04 Feb, 2010 07:18 AM

CYMS will prepare for their Royal Hotel Cup game against Waratahs tomorrow night by holding a junior coaching clinic at Wade Park. First grade players and others from the CYMS seniors ranks will run through some training drills with any interested juniors before their final day- night match of the season. The CYMS first graders certainly have tips to pass on to juniors given their run this season, as the green and golds lead the Orange District Cricket Association overall first grade standings. The session will commence at 4pm and run until just prior to the 5.30pm start of the Royal Hotel Cup game, when a BBQ will be put on. All equipment will be provide and the session is open to junior players from any club and even children who are not registered players. Former NSW Country wicket-keeper Andrew Egea will also be there to share tips with budding juniors.

WATCHFUL EYE: CYMS captain Jake Sands (left) casts his eye over junior Liam Pluymers’ batting technique, while batsman Dean Turner (right) does the same for Charlie Mortimer.

Gough’s mind set on gold for NSW

BY MICHELLE COOK 05 Feb, 2010 07:04 AM

LIAM Gough is chasing the national title he missed out on in 2008. The James Sheahan Catholic High School student was yesterday named in the NSW All Schools 1st XI for the School Sport Australia (SSA) Under 15 Cricket Championships this month. Gough, a fast bowler, was part of the NSW side which finished second to Victoria at the SSA 12 years and under championships back in 2008. This time he is hoping to bring home a gold medal after the under 15s championships from February 20-26. “It’s a very strong side all round,” Gough said of his NSW team. It was a long process for the 14-year-old to be selected in the NSW side. After initially playing for his school team, Gough was chosen in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) team which played a selection carnival against Combined High Schools (CHS) and Combined Independent Schools (CIS) in December last year. During this carnival Gough took 2-24 off eight overs and 1-16 off five overs in his two games. He also performed with the bat. “I batted once and was 25 not out, which is pretty good for a bowler,” he grinned. On Wednesday this week the final selection match was washed out and the players spent a few hours at the Sydney Cricket Ground nets instead. Yesterday the chosen players were given the good news. “I was surprised and happy,” Gough said. It has been two years since Gough played in his last national championships and he knows things will be tougher this time around. Despite this, the nerves aren’t getting to him. “I’m excited because I love playing cricket so much,” he said. “I’ve played so much cricket that I don’t really get nervous any more. I just go out there and have fun.” When Gough says he plays a lot of cricket, he’s not exaggerating. This season alone the Year 9 student has played with his school team, the SJS Coffee Club open juniors’ side, Cavaliers’ first grade team and the Orange, Mitchell and Western Zone under 16 sides. From the SSA championships an Australian side is selected but Gough’s focus is firmly on helping NSW to the national title. Gough is one of only a few players from the Central West who have been selected in the NSW side over the years, including Blake Dean (Bathurst), Chris Tremain (Yeoval), Tim Armstrong (Dubbo) and Andrew Page (Dubbo). STEPPING UP: Orange’s Liam Gough has been selected in the NSW All Schools cricket side to contest the national championships this month.

Crackdown on bad behaviour

BY BEN DREWE 11 Feb, 2010 07:10 AM

INCIDENTS of parents and players behaving badly at junior cricket matches are up this season and Orange District Junior Cricket Association president Steve Warrington has had enough. Warrington and ODJCA secretary Matt Tabbernor have received nearly a dozen complaints this season regarding players and parents verbally abusing players and the instances shockingly tend to be in the younger age groups. A code of conduct for players, coaches and spectators has been circulated to junior clubs and Warrington says it is inexcusable for people to behave the way they have in certain instances. Some grievances have even been raised after non-competitive Kanga cricket coaching sessions and this has infuriated Warrington. “In (Tabbernor’s) seven years as secretary he’s never seen so many complaints and what we want the public to know is that we are checking these complaints and checking grounds,” Warrington said. “We’ve had complaints, and this staggers me, of parents at Kanga games ... and this has led to Matt and I taking a stance on this. “It’s got to the stage where we want to stamp it out and if they face the judiciary they will be dealt with in a harsh manner. “It’s something we want to try and stamp out as soon as possible.” Warrington says cases are coming from players and parents of younger children and the older age groups up to open schoolboys run incident-free, as fewer parents attend matches. However, Tabbernor will be out in force this afternoon and on Saturday monitoring behaviour at random grounds in a bid to deter unsavoury incidents.

FED UP: ODJCA secretary Matt Tabbernor and president Steve Warrington have had enough of receiving complaints about the behaviour of players and parents at junior cricket games this season.

Orange ends Bathurst's under 12 campaign

SAM DEBENHAM 23 Feb, 2010 12:00 AM

A BRILLIANT bowling performance from the visiting Orange side has ended the Bathurst under 12s side's 2009-10 Mitchell Cricket Council campaign one match short of the grand final at Morse Park 1 on Sunday. Strangling the Bathurst batsmen out of the contest, Orange advanced to next week's grand final against Mudgee with a dominant 68-run win that was built around a lower-order recovery and discipline with the ball. Going into the match having easily had the better of the only other encounter between the two sides this season, Orange found themselves in early trouble as Connor Thomas departed in the first over to Lachie Hobby before Angus Gilmore (10) and Ben Taylor (24) led a recovery of sorts. Orange lost two more wickets with the score on 23 and at one stage crashed to 5-49 as Josh Sly pulled Bathurst back into the contest with three quick wickets. William Ward (15) and Charlie Cooper (14) stemmed the flow of wickets and with tail-enders James Donato (11), Charlie Mortimer (10 not out) and Todd Murphy (11 not out) each adding valuable runs, Orange had amassed a more than competitive 9-142 after their 40 overs. Sly was simply brilliant for the home side, finishing with 6-19 from eight overs in a flawless exhibition with the ball, but he didn't have enough help to really put Orange under the pump. Bathurst had not chased down that sort of total all season and they started like a team who were slightly intimidated by the task in front of them as Hobby and Atticus Strong both fell inside the first seven overs. Ryan Peacock briefly gave his side some respite with 12 at number three, but the rest of the top-order simply buckled under the relentless pressure applied by the Orange bowlers. They allowed no cheap runs and it wasn't until number nine Oscar Hutchings (12) struck two fours in the 31st over ? after five consecutive maidens ? that they found the boundary. The end came soon enough, Bathurst bowled out for 74 with both Cooper and Murphy bagging four wickets for the visitors. "We were definitely on top when we had them 5-49, you could see that Orange were feeling the pressure," Bathurst coach Richard Newell said. "In the 36th over we had them at around 110, if we could have finished them off and kept them under 120 I'd have given us a big chance, but they did get away from us a bit there. "It was different to the last game against them. That time the boys just caved under pressure but this time they just couldn't find the gaps at all, we didn't get out because of the pressure, we just couldn't get any momentum at all." It wasn't all bad though according to the coach, who should retain a number of players into next season if he takes the role again. "Really, the boys knew absolutely nothing about playing cricket ? representative cricket ? on turf pitches at the start of the season so they will all take a fair bit out of the summer," Newell said.

SIX BUT OUT: Josh Sly bagged six wickets in a brilliant effort with the ball on Sunday but it wasn�t enough to help his side through to the Mitchell under 12s grand final, falling to Orange at Morse Park 1. Photo: CHRIS SEABROOK 022110cu12s3

Youngsters out to complete perfect year

BY NICK MCGRATH 26 Feb, 2010 06:56 PM

ORANGE’S under 14s cricket side would have to be one of the most well-rounded junior cricket teams running around. In the three 50-over matches they’ve won so far, Orange has restricted the opposition to 160 or less while not losing any more than six wickets with the bat themselves. They take on Lithgow tomorrow in the final of the Mitchell Cricket Council junior competition at Orange’s Jack Brabham Park after going through 2009-10 undefeated. Coach Michael Wright believes fielding pressure is the key to his side’s success. “We’re a very good fielding side,” Wright said. “It’s all about keeping the pressure on the batsmen. “We’ve not always bowled sides out but have been able to restrict them to about 160 or less every time.” The team has been mentored under the watchful eye of fielding coach Stuart Riles, as well as Orange CYMS first grader Nick Wright. “We have been teaching them the importance of getting the basics right, batting in partnerships and fielding well,” Michael Wright said. “It shows, too, they’re a good little bunch of cricketers.” With a firing batting line-up and a very economical bowling attack Orange will undoubtedly go into the final tomorrow wearing the favourites’ tag, however, Wright is under no illusions as to what can happen on the big day. “It’ll be a very tough game, Lithgow are definitely the dark horse,” he said. “We’ve beaten Lithgow in the round match, but they’re are just as likely to come back and give us a touch-up for the final. “In saying that, though, captain Louis Kostoglou has lead the team by example opening the batting and his deputy Nick Shillington opens the bowling very well for the side,” Wright said. “We’ve worked well as a team and that should continue.” Orange’s under 12s will contest their grand final away to Mudgee tomorrow.

BOUND FOR GLORY: Orange’s under 14s representative cricket team will take on Lithgow in tomorrow’s Mitchell Cricket Council under 14s grand final. They are (front) Louis Kostoglou, Tom Rolfe, Nick Shillington, Pat Madden, Matt Corben, (back) Addie Johnson, Ben Hazzard, Braden Riles, Charles Litchfield, Edward Wright, Charlie Harris and Damien Hill. Photo: MARK LOGAN

Perfect season for 14s

02 Mar, 2010 10:27 AM

UNDER 14s

ORANGE’S under 14s representative cricket team capped a perfect season with a 49-run win over Lithgow in Sunday’s Mitchell Cricket Council junior grand final at Jack Brabham Park. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Louis Kostoglou (17) and Braden Riles (8) put on an opening stand of 26 before the first wicket fell. Matt Corben (22) kept the run rate ticking over nicely with help from Ben Hazzard. Nick Shillington (58) took to the Lithgow bowlers with a powerful display of batting, including four boundaries. Pat Madden (15) showed great maturity and excellent shot selection, holding the innings together until the last few overs. Charles Litchfield (8), Damien Hill (5) and Eddie Wright (1) all contributed. Charlie Harris (15) and Tim Rolfe (8) finished the innings off well with two boundaries and some power hitting to take Orange to a good score of 9-167. Charles Litchfield (2-12) started the downfall with the ball, while Braden Riles gave nothing away (0-11). Enter man of the match Charlie Harris (3-19). Two faint edges brought Matt Corben into first slip. He then took two of the sharpest catches you will ever see. Pat Madden (0-12), Eddie Wright (0-17) and Addie Johnson (0-15) all had chances dropped off their bowling. Tom Rolfe had success in his second spell and bowled Lithgow’s best batsmen. Charlie Harris and Charles Litchfield took the last three wickets to bowl Lithgow out for 118. Well done to the Orange team, captained by Louis Kostoglou and Nick Shillington, who kept creating opportunities to finish the season undefeated. Many thanks to Stuart Riles, Nick Wright, Peter Fisher Real Estate and everyone who helped us through a long and successful season. CELEBRATION TIME: Orange’s Charles Litchfield is mobbed by team-mates after taking the wicket of Lithgow’s Nick Kenniff in the under 14s’ Mitchell Cricket Council grand final win. Photo: JUDE KEOGH

Open competition switches to 17s

BY MICHELLE COOK 08 Apr, 2010 08:29 AM

THE Orange District Junior Cricket Association has undergone major changes on and off the field. At the recent annual general meeting, it was decided to set an age limit for the open junior competition. In previous seasons there was no limit and children who had finished school continued to play in the junior division. From the start of the 2010-11 season the open juniors will change to under 17s. Players will need to be 16 on September 1 each year to be eligible to play. ODJCA secretary Steve Ryan said it was hoped the age limit would encourage the older junior players to move into the senior ranks. “There were a few hangers-on this season who were 18. We thought we needed a cut-off between the juniors and seniors,” Ryan explained. “I think it might push the issue (linking juniors with seniors). Senior sides might realise these kids want to play and they need a place in a team.” Changes were made to the executive with Ryan voted in as secretary after Matt Tabbernor stood down. Tabbernor had held the position for seven years as well as being involved with junior cricket for 10 years. Due to his commitment, he was awarded an ODJCA life membership. Ryan admitted Tabbernor would be missed. “He’s unbelievable. He’s been there 10 years,” Ryan said. “To do it and not have a kid (playing), makes it an even bigger effort. We do a lot of things for our kids but he’s done it just out of a love of cricket.” Tabbernor plans to concentrate on the other positions he holds in Orange, Mitchell and Western Zone cricket. Paul Little stood down as treasurer and was replaced by Scott Larsen. Steve Warrington will remain as president and he will be joined by Nick Cooper (vice-president) and Guy Ruddy (assistant secretary). The ODJCA will also look to improve the condition of ground and training facilities in Orange by forming a special committee to oversee this. Orange’s junior representative team appointments have also been announced with Gerard Hannelly (under 12s coach), Andrew Litchfield (under 14s coach), Andrew Rees (under 14s manager), Steve Ryan (under 16s coach) and Steve Warrington (under 16s manager) taking on roles for the 2010-11 season.

Tabbernor’s obsession pays off

12 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM For Matt Tabbernor cricket is more than just a game. It’s an obsession now he’s coming to Dubbo as Max Shepherd’s replacement and has the chance to make it his career. The former Bowen (Orange) president has been appointed as the new Cricket NSW regional director of coaching. He will look after the state’s Western Zone, which stretches from the Blue Mountains to Broken Hill and Walgett to West Wyalong. Tabbernor can’t wait for the opportunity to make a difference to the next generation of NSW cricketers. “I played the game for 20 years and then was involved in the management and admin side of things for 10 years. Some would say I’m obsessed with it,” Tabbernor said. “But I love the game and I want kids to be able to have a go and enjoy it as much as I do.” Tabbernor, who will move to Dubbo for the job, takes over from Max Shepherd who has moved to Albury. “Max Shepherd did the job for 19 years and I then applied. I think a lot of the volunteer work I have done in the past has helped,” he said. Tabbernor will oversee close to 25 different local associations boasting more than 1000 junior cricketers between the ages of five and eight. Places like Bourke, Lightning Ridge and Walgett will fall under Tabbernor’s watch. He said his main focus would be on making sure coaches have the right qualifications. “It’s basically a role where I co-ordinate local associations and look at the their recruitment and retention,” he said. “I’ll look after the coaching clinics in the region, run clinics in schools, all of that sort of thing. “One of my main goals is to upskill junior coaches and to really get kids enjoying playing cricket so that they then continue on and play in their local Saturday competitions and then on to the senior level.” The state’s Western Zone has produced some of Australia’s cricketing legends. Australia’s most prolific fast bowler Glenn McGrath is from Narromine. “We feed directly into the emerging Blues (men) and Breakers (women) squads,” Tabbernor said. “The academy that is in place takes a lot of kids from our region. My role is to make sure they have the chance to be seen.” The regional director of coaching role is Tabbernor’s first position under the Cricket NSW banner. He was hopeful after a successful stint in the NSW’s Western Zone a position in Sydney would be next. “I’m completing an accounts degree so maybe something along those lines,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity here with Western Zone and hopefully I can go as far as my abilities can take me.”

CYMS juniors on busy holiday

BY NICK MCGRATH 27 Sep, 2010 08:06 AM

ORANGE CYMS are taking steps to shore up their place at the top of the Orange District Cricket Association ladder, sending their most promising juniors to Sydney to help strengthen the future of the club. CYMS have formed a strong relationship in the off season with Sydney first grade side Randwick-Petersham with budding stars Pat Madden, Tom Satterthwaite and Adam Stein making the trek east to better their games. Stein, a swing bowler, said he jumped at the chance to go to Sydney. “I hope to go down there and become a better player, learn new things. It’s going to be a good opportunity,” Stein said. Stein, along with Satterthwaite and Madden, was an integral member of last season’s second grade winning CYMS Moroneys side. The trio will head down to Sydney today. They’ll have the opportunity to learn from some of the state’s best cricketers including Usman Khawaja and Burt Cockley. A follow up session will be planned with Test stars Simon Katich and Nathan Hauritz, who will be in India today, expected to attend. Satterthwaite, a batsman, said the opportunity to see what makes the best players so good would be invaluable. “I’d love to go down there and improve on my technique. Become a better batter,” Satterthwaite said. “We won last season because we all knew each other really well, we were all good friends off the field, and going to Sydney will only help us get better.” Madden, a handy leg spinner, said it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. “The experience will be good, I’m looking forward to it,” Madden said. “I was talking to my Dad and he said that it’s a rare thing to be able to go to Sydney and learn like this, I should take it up, so I did and I can’t wait.” CYMS committee member Steve Mullins said the club had worked hard to give its juniors the best opportunities to improve their cricket. “The aim is to have our upcoming youth getting an opportunity to attend coaching clinics and professional academies,” Mullins said. “Randwick-Petersham have been very positive and welcoming, and next week in the school holidays will see three of our under 17s players attend an intensive cricket clinic in Sydney.” He said there was potential for future players to make the trip, too. “Both Randwick and CYMS are hopeful that this affiliation can continue throughout this season and into future years,” he said. “The standard of coaching and facilities at Randwick are outstanding and I know that the CYMS players will gain enormous benefits by having access and contact with Randwick- Petersham Cricket Club.”

BRANCHING OUT: Orange CYMS youngsters Tom Satterthwaite (15), Pat Madden (14) and Adam Stein (16) will benefit from their trip to Randwick-Petersham these school holidays.

Orange girls help Western sides to second

08 Oct, 2010 06:58 AM

ORANGE duo Kinisha Roweth and Synetta Manns helped Western Zone’s under 15 girls’ cricket team finish second at the Kookaburra Cup Twenty20 competition last week in Canberra. Western finished second after being beaten by Riverina in the final on Friday. Western finished with 7-56 and Riverina 3-76 after their 20 overs. The Kookaburra Cup involved over 40 teams from ACT, NSW and QLD in divisions of under 12s 14s and 16s in the boys and under 15s in the girls’ challenge. During the week both girls grabbed a wicket each and limited the runs against their bowling in each match. Synetta also tallied nearly 40 runs with a top score of 23 and Kinisha accumulated 30 runs with a top score of 11 not out. An outstanding feature of both the girls’ games was their fielding, where they were able to utilise their representative netball skills to catch and throw well and effect numerous run-outs for Western. Meanwhile, Orange’s Brianne Cowden and Kira Churchland fell two runs short in their quest to help Western’s under 19 girls’ cricket side defend their Country Championships title. Playing at Newcastle, Western finished on 3-148 in reply to North Coast’s 150 in the final.

WESTERN WONDERS: Kinisha Roweth and Synetta Manns.

Millthorpe juniors benefit from their new wicket

26 Oct, 2010 06:57 AM

MILLTHORPE Junior Cricket Club teams will be ones to look for this season after their new artificial wicket was laid last week. The young players have been using a concrete wicket at Redmond Oval but that all changed in time for the 2010-11 Orange District Junior Cricket Association season. Last week Tony Zito laid the artificial grass after Blayney Council made some foundation repairs to the wicket. NSW Sport and Recreation, Mitchell Cricket Council, Western Zone Cricket Council and the Millthorpe Gardens Association all helped with the funding to make the new facilities possible for the junior players. It had its first test run on Friday when the junior club held an open afternoon and final sign-on. The children were able to try their skills on the artificial surface and played some social games. Millthorpe’s Under 12s were the first team to play an official game on the new wicket on Saturday when they took on SJS Peter Smith Chemart. Millthorpe also has an Under 11s and a Kangas side and these teams will also benefit from the improvements. MJCC vice-president Glen Coyte said the new surface will not be the only thing upgraded this season. “This is stage one of our work,” Coyte explained. “In the future, our plans are, after Christmas, to improve the nets.” Anyone interested in joining the Millthorpe Junior Cricket Club can contact secretary Michael Trueloss at Millthorpe Public School for more information. BATTER UP: Cooper Bingham and the Millthorpe junior cricket club members take their new artificial wicket at Redmond Oval for a test drive.

Mitchell spots on the line for Orange’s junior cricketers

BY NICK MCGRATH 29 Oct, 2010 07:12 PM

PLACES in the Mitchell under 12s, 14s and 16s boys’ cricket sides are on the line this weekend when Orange takes on Lithgow in the Mitchell Cricket Council Inter-District competition. Orange’s under 16s will meet Lithgow at Riawena Oval while the 12s and 14s boys’ teams will play their matches at Jack Brabham Oval. Mitchell secretary of juniors Steve Ryan believes after having to cancel the competition last weekend due to rain all of the players will be ready to perform tomorrow. “Last week was called off so we’re going to try again this weekend,” Ryan said. “Normally the (Orange) 16s are strong. They didn’t go so well last year but they’ll go close this time. Both the (Orange) 12s and 14s won last year and they’re strong again. “Orange are generally one of the favourites. We’ll be expecting them to be very competitive.” A Mitchell representative side will be picked based on tomorrow’s games around the region. Players from Orange, Bathurst, Blue Mountains, Mudgee, and Lithgow are expected to feature. “Basically the Mitchell side take on sides from Lachlan and Macquarie,” Ryan said. “There will be two games in November, the first in Young on the 14th and the second in Bathurst on the 21st. From that we then pick a Western Zone side.” Orange’s 16s side will feature some of the Orange District Cricket Association’s best young cricketers. Ryan expected them to shine. “A few of the 16s boys play in the first grade competition here in Orange. Liam Gough, James Ryan (both Cavaliers) and Tom Harbison (Kinross), we’ll be expecting big games from them,” he said.

Orange juniors earn representative selection

BY NICK MCGRATH 02 Nov, 2010 06:16 PM

LAST weekend proved to be a big one for junior cricketers with 20 boys and girls selected from the Orange region to represent the Mitchell Cricket Council at this year’s Western Zone carnival. Orange took on Lithgow in the Mitchell Cricket Council Inter-District competition around Orange on Sunday with Mitchell sides selected based on performances in those games. Cavaliers young gun Liam Gough will captain the Mitchell under 16s side against Macquarie and Lachlan. Gough was named to lead the Mitchell representative side on Monday after helping Orange account for Lithgow by eight wickets on Sunday. Gough will join forces with promising Orange trio Tom Harbison, James Ryan and Will Hurley in the 12-man squad which also features three Bathurst players, three Blue Mountains and one each from Mudgee and Lithgow. The side will play Lachlan at Alfred Oval, Young, on November 14 and Macquarie at Bathurst’s Morse Park on November 21. In the under 14s boys Charles Litchfield and Daniel Donato were selected for Mitchell. The 14s will be led by Bathurst’s Jeremy Judge. In the under 12s boys, six players who represented Orange last weekend will make the step and play for Mitchell. Orange’s Michael Hannelly, James Conran, Hugh Britton and Angus Cumming will play while Millthorpe duo Charlie Mortimer and Josh Coyte were also selected. The side will be led by Bathurst’s Ryan Peacock while Mortimer will be the team’s deputy. Cudal’s Addie Johnson will captain the Mitchell girls’ side. The James Sheahan student will lead seven other Orange representatives in the side including Brianne Cowden, Kaitlyn Cowden, Somma Allcorn, Synetta Manns, Meaghan Kempson, Siobian Turk and Kinisha Roweth. All four teams will take on Lachlan in Young and Macquarie in Bathurst on consecutive weekends from November 14. n MITCHELL UNDER 16s: Liam Gough (c - Orange), Tom Harbison (Orange), James Ryan (Orange), Stuart Fredericks (Mudgee), Max Hope (Bathurst), Tom Farnell (Leura), Lawrence Noble (Katoomba), Sam Mostyn (Lithgow), Michael Waldren (Bathurst), Will Hurley (Orange), Jarrad Hastings (Hazelbrook), Wayne Sellers (Oberon). n MITCHELL UNDER 14s: Jeremy Judge (c - Bathurst), Alex Crowther (vc - Wentworth Falls), Lachlan Sharp (Lithgow), Charles Litchfield (Orange), Connor Farnell (Leura), Nicholas Chapman (Mudgee), Alex Johnston (Bathurst), James Ford (Mudgee), Nathan Maskell (Wentworth falls), Tyler Horton (Bathurst), Daniel Donato (Orange), Kyle Aubin (Bathurst). n MITCHELL UNDER 12s: Ryan Peacock (c - Bathurst), Charlie Mortimer (vc - Millthorpe), Will Parker (Mudgee), Guy Hammond (Rylstone), Ryan Van Nesch (Mudgee), Kieran Lindsay (Bathurst), Mark Day (Bathurst), Michael Hannelly (Orange), Josh Coyte (Millthorpe), James Conran (Orange), Hugh Britton (Orange), Angus Cumming (Orange). n MITCHELL GIRLS: Addie Johnson (c - Cudal), Aisling Visser-Connolly (vc - Bathurst), Rebecca Bailey (Gulgong), Alex Wass (Bathurst) Jessica Edwards (Mudgee), Brianne Cowden (Orange), Kaitlyn Cowden (Orange), Somma Allcorn (Molong), Amy Suttor (Hargraves) Synetta Manns (Orange), Meaghan Kempson (Orange), Siobian Turk ( Millthorpe), Kinisha Roweth (Millthorpe) REASON TO SMILE: Orange's Under 14s players celebrate a Lithgow wicket bowled by Charles Litchfield and caught by James Donato. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 1031rep2

MacIntosh Shield Winners – James Sheahan – Josh Manns, James Donato, Tom Fisher, James Croake, Todd Murphy, ?, Charlie Cooper, Jack Sharpe, Eddie Wright, Ben Larsen, Andrew Borschtsch, Daniel Donato

Satter up for CYMS

BY MICHELLE COOK 19 Nov, 2010 07:41 PM

TOM Satterthwaite could be forgiven for taking a while to get out of bed on Monday. The teenager will have a hectic weekend with four cricket matches. Satterthwaite’s busy schedule started last night when CYMS took on Kinross in the Royal Hotel Cup Cup and he made his first grade debut. This morning he will line up for SJS in the under 17s competition before heading to Wade Park this afternoon to play in CYMS’ first grade side again, this time in a two-day match against Centrals. Tomorrow he’ll be at Orange Ex-Services Country Club Oval to play for CYMS Mary Jane’s Restaurant in the Orange Colts Twenty20 competition. Playing first grade is something the 15-year-old is looking forward to. “I’m a bit nervous but I’m excited,” he said. The wicketkeeper-batsman is a regular in the CYMS Moroneys second grade side and has consistently scored in the 20s and 30s this season. His medium-pace bowling has also proved handy with the James Sheahan Catholic High School student taking 4-22 against Centrals Provvista and 4-17 in his colts competition opening round win. CYMS’ first grade captain Dean Turner is confident Satterthwaite will handle the step up to the top grade in today’s two-day match against Centrals. “I think he’ll go all right,” Turner said. “I told him he was playing first grade at training on Wednesday and he took it in his stride. He’ll probably be a bit nervous early on but he’ll settle in and be fine. “He’s keeping for us on Saturday.” Satterthwaite said his goal for the first grade matches was simply to play well. He also has no problems with his busy weekend of cricket. “It should be fun,” he grinned. Satterthwaite is just one change to the CYMS first grade side for today’s match with seven regulars unavailable. Dom Maley will come in today before Simon Roberts returns the following Saturday. Kira Churchland will also line up in the top grade. Turner said Churchland is more than up to the challenge of first grade. “The only reason she didn’t play first grade last year was she had to go to work at 4.30pm,” he said. “Her numbers were definitely good enough last year. She’s being playing women’s State League so I don’t imagine this will be a step up for her.” Turner said the challenge for him as captain will be working out how to use the players he is relatively unfamiliar with. Still, he’s confident CYMS can continue their winning form. The opening day of the two- day match between CYMS and Centrals will be played from 1pm today at Wade Park.

BIG WEEKEND: Tom Satterthwaite is ready for the challenge of first grade today. Photo: STEVE GOSCH

Home grand final after thrilling game

BY SAM DEBENHAM 15 Feb, 2011 03:00 AM THE Bathurst under 12s side have earned the right to host the Mitchell Cricket Council grand final after defeating Orange in a thrilling major semi-final on Sunday in Orange. Orange staged a miraculous comeback after being 8-38 and got back to within nine runs of Bathurst’s total of 96 before losing their last two wickets without adding to their score. Knowing that a rained-out match would effectively mean defeat and force them into a sudden-death match against the winner of the Blue Mountains-Mudgee game, Bathurst were relieved to find that their game would go ahead, albeit on a synthetic surface. The conditions at the new venue at Kinross-Wolaroi were not conducive to quick scoring by any means. Bathurst started solidly enough through Kieran Lindsay (19) while captain Ryan Peacock batting at three made 16, and at one stage mid-way through the innings Bathurst were 1-56 and looking at something fairly formidable. A dramatic collapse though saw them lose 7-26 as the entire Orange attack began to find their range, and Bathurst were eventually dismissed in the 40th over for 96. Seven Orange bowlers in total picked up wickets in what was the ultimate team performance with the ball. As so often happens though, runs on the board proved invaluable for the Bathurst side as they began the defence of their meagre total and they soon had Orange in strife. Kade Barrow (14) was the lone player in the top-order to crack double-figures as Jayden Burrow (4-28 from seven) cut a swathe through the Orange line-up. They went from 0-13 to 7-27 and then 8-38 as Mark Day joined the party to take 3-6 from five. It looked like Orange would be dismissed for something under 50, but far from throwing it away, they got a brilliant riposte from number 10 Hugh Britton. Britton crafted a mature 27, and put on 49 for the ninth wicket with Michael Hannelly (nine) as the sundries also started to build before Day finally broke the stand 18 overs after it began when he removed Hannelly. The end came soon after when Britton was finally run-out, Orange dismissed on the ‘devil’s number,’ 87. “It was looking a bit hairy there for a while,” Bathurst coach Steve Peacock said. “We started well enough, it was pretty tough to score quickly but we were going ok, but the middle-order got the wobbles a little bit and we fell in a heap. I thought we were about 30 or 40 short of what we needed. “But runs on the board are always important and the boys started brilliantly with the ball.”

So close yet so far for 12s

BY DARREN SNYDER 23 Feb, 2011 10:27 AM Mudgee Junior District Cricket Association’s under 12s representative side have bowed out of the Mitchell Cricket Council in heartbreaking circumstances for the second year in a row. In 2010 the under 12s side lost to Orange in Mudgee in the Mitchell Cricket final after a dismal batting performance and this year were also beaten by Orange only one game short of the final. Orange playing at home batted first and made a respectable 120 from their 40 overs. Mudgee were looking good having the colour city at 3/27 from 14 overs but a 39-run fourth wicket partnership between Orange’s Angus Cumming (20) and Charlie Motimer (21) brought some stability to their innings. However Mudgee bounced back through Kurtley Golden (2-8) and Ryan Van Nesch (2-20) taking four quick wickets to have Orange in major trouble at 7/78 in the 31st over. But a 42-run eighth-wicket stand between Orange’s Matt Hobbs (28no) and Michael Hannelly (10no) saw them reach 120. In a game of twists and turns Mudgee were 2/7 in the chase after losing Brenton Chapman (0) and Lachlan Henry (7). However a 35-run third wicket partnership between Guy Hammond (8) and Will Parker (17) stabilised the innings. Mudgee’s lower order batsmen Kurtley Golden (10) and Callum Barlow (11) also put on 22 runs for the sixth wicket and the tail wagged before being bundled 15 runs short on 105. Orange will travel to Bathurst to play in the Mitchell Cricket final this weekend.

Under 16s bow out of Mitchell Cricket Council title

BY SAM DEBENHAM 24 Feb, 2011 03:00 AM THE Bathurst under 16s side bowed out of contention for the Mitchell Cricket Council title on Sunday after they lost their preliminary final to Orange. Orange batsman Tom Satterthwaite was the hero for the home side, leading the way for his team with a sterling 114 while getting good support from Matt Corbin (37) and Liam Gough (30) as Orange made an imposing 7-227 from their 50 overs. Bathurst were valiant in defeat, making 207 before they were dismissed in the 48th over. At one stage they were 5-175 with around 10 overs remaining but the scoreboard pressure proved too much and they fell 20 runs short. “We didn’t bowl our lines properly, we probably had them under control for the first 30 overs but in the last 20 they got away from us a bit and we allowed them probably 20 or 30 too many,” Bathurst coach Adrian Bowden said. “Having said that we felt like it was still a gettable total so we were pretty disappointed to lose.” The majority of the Bathurst attack struggled in the first innings, Max Hope’s spin providing the lone highlight as he took 1-22 from his 10 overs. James Falvey picked up three wickets but his 10 overs cost him 66 as he suffered similar treatment to most of his team-mates. In the reply, Bathurst started slowly with Bill Hurley and Andrew Reedy departing early but things were put back on track thanks to a 63-run partnership between Michael Waldren and Hope. Waldren made 55 and Hope 29 to get their side to 2-90 but a mini-collapse put Orange back in the driver’s seat. Alex Johnson, promoted from the under 14s to plug a gap in the middle-order, showed exactly why the raps on him are so big as he made a mature 44 not out and put on 60 with Andrew Smith, who made 35 himself. When Smith fell with the score on 175 though, it signalled the beginning of the end. “The stand-out for me was Alex Johnson, Mike Waldren obviously batted well but to see a kid come up from the under 14s to play the way he did was outstanding, it was a beautiful innings to watch,” Bowden said. “It was disappointing to lose but there are a handful of young guys in that team who will be around next season and will have learned from that game. “A few things didn’t go the boys’ way but they played the right way and were a real credit to themselves. We lose a few who will go up into the under 21s and will do a great job there too.” Orange will now travel to the Blue Mountains for the grand final in two weeks’ time.

Crisp spoils Bathurst’s day

SAM DEBENHAM 08 Mar, 2011 03:00 AM

PETER Crisp was a hero for Orange and a villain for Bathurst on Sunday as his efforts with the ball proved decisive in the Mitchell Junior Cricket Council under 14s decider at Morse Park 1. Bathurst suffered a huge collapse to miss out on a big opportunity for a grand final win on their home turf and it was Crisp who was responsible. The host side looked to be cruising at 2-76 mid-way through the innings in pursuit of Orange’s 6-164 before Crisp took the wind out of their sails with a match-turning spell that saw him net five wickets. The biggest blow of all came when Jeremy Judge fell with the score on 5-87, having played a true captain’s knock with 55. It remained easily the highest score of the innings. By the time Bathurst realised what was happening they were 7-87 and could only manage to put together 107 all-out. “At that stage when we were only two-down, we were well in the running and it wasn’t really until we were about seven-down that I thought we were probably too far away to win,” Bathurst coach Richard Newell said. “It only takes one ball to get a wicket, but it takes a whole innings to put together a good score and once we lost one or two wickets we just couldn’t rebuild. “Orange played a very good game and really looked as though they had learned something from the way we played in the semi-final a few weeks ago.” The lesson Newell was referring to was that of patience, something his team executed in abundance during their last clash with Orange and which the visitors produced plenty of themselves on Sunday. “Last time we played, we took it really steady for the first half of the innings but we went ballistic in the last 10 or so overs and put together a really good score,” Newell said. “Orange only had 28 on the board after 20 overs but they kept wickets in hand and went hard at the end. They didn’t get as good a score as we did last time, but on that pitch 165 was always a pretty good score.” The wickets were spread for Bathurst, with Alex Johnson, Kyle Aubin, Tyler Horton and Judge each taking a wicket while Emerson Meehan pulled off two brilliant run-outs. With Judge and Aubin at the crease in the reply, things looked safe for Bathurst until Crisp’s spell turned the game on its head. In the end Ryan Newell’s nine was the second top score as the lower-order folded. “I think if we played Orange 10 times, we’d win six or seven games but they turned up on the day and outplayed us and deserved to win,” Richard Newell said. “They fielded brilliantly, they took two catches which on another day we might have seen spilled, but they deserve full credit for the result.”

Fifteen disastrous overs cost the under 12s

SAM DEBENHAM 08 Mar, 2011 03:00 AM

A DISASTROUS middle-order collapse has consigned the Bathurst under 12s side to the runners-up title in the Mitchell Junior Cricket Council premiership for 2010-11. Playing on home turf at Morse Park 2 against Orange on Sunday, the Bathurst side slipped from 1-21 to 6-35 in a catastrophic 15-over period that more or less ended their chances of victory. They recovered to bat out their 40 overs and post 9-91, but it was never going to be enough against a solid Orange top order. The visitors ended up clinching the victory by five wickets with 11 overs still up their sleeve. Batting first after winning the toss, Bathurst lost Kieran Lindsay early for two but Cambell Morris (12) and Ryan Peacock (six) steadied for the time being before Morris fell in the eighth over. From there it was a procession as six Orange bowlers got in on the act. Bathurst was reduced to 6-35 at the halfway point of their innings and staring at something below 50. Henry Allen had other ideas though and played a determined knock to at least keep some faint hopes alive for his team. Aiden McBurney only scored five but it was a valuable contribution as he put on 26 with Allen who guided his team through the final 20 overs and saw them avoid being bowled out. He finished with a defiant 33 not out, batting for 22 overs in the process. Angus Cumming was the pick of the Orange bowlers and took 2-5 from seven overs, including three maidens. Wides were the second biggest contributor to Bathurst’s 9-91 with 15. Bathurst needed early wickets to stand any chance of victory and things were on schedule after Jayden Burrow removed Kade Barrow for seven as well as Cumming without scoring. Peacock added Tom Belmonte (eight) to the list of scalps and with Orange tottering at 3-31, it was game on. However, the runs were coming at a steady clip for Orange and Matt Hobbs was keeping his side well ahead of the game with a mature 36. He did fall eventually to Peacock and a run-out reduced Orange to five-down, but by that stage it was purely academic and Orange finished things off in the 29th over. Burrow took 2-16 and Peacock 2- 9 for the home side. “We gave it a go but we were always behind the game, we didn’t have a really good day,” Bathurst coach Steve Peacock said. “We did well to bat the overs out at least and give ourselves a bit of a chance, but Orange were too strong and deserved their win in the end.”

Steve declares it's time to move on

BY NICK MCGRATH 14 Apr, 2011 04:00 AM

OUTGOING Orange District Junior Cricket Association and St Joseph’s Sheahan Cricket Club president Steve Warrington has been involved in the sport of cricket since what he calls “the dim dark ages”. But, if you ask the man himself, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. “I started playing back in the dim dark ages, we’ll leave it at that,” Warrington laughed. But it was in those times Warrington began to lend a hand. Warrington, born and bred in Orange, first played cricket for the Centrals Cricket Club back in the 1980s. “I’ve played with Adam Shepherd’s father [Cliff] so I’m starting to show my age there,” he smiled. “I took on some roles there as secretary and treasurer back then so taking on the presidency of a junior club a few years down the track was not out of the norm.” And ever since, for a little over a decade, the light has certainly shone brightly. Warrington has be involved with junior cricket, whether it be as a coach or involved in the administration side of things, since the 1999-2000 season. He has been president of both the ODJCA and the SJSCC for the last six summers. “When I first took over from [former SJS president] Michael Croke he termed it a no-frills club and at the time I think the term no-frills certainly didn’t go down too well with a few parents,” he said. “There were no presentation nights, they didn’t have those sort of things. But with the committee that was there at the time with guys like Dave Finlayson, we worked on just the basic things - presentation nights, the kids now all have playing shirts, we went and chased sponsors for the club, just the basics that make the club go around.” All of this didn’t happen overnight either. Warrington and his team worked tirelessly getting those sponsors for close to 18 months from when he took over the top job in the summer of 2005-06. But now, Warrington believes it’s time to move on. “I always had the intention that I’d stay around while [my son] John was playing junior cricket and when John moved on there was no reason for me to stay,” he said. “You’ve got to get to the stage where other people have to step forward and do the job. “And I took on the the presidency of the association as well as SJS at the same time, so I was doubly an idiot in that respect.” In his time at the club Warrington has seen SJS go from strength to strength. They’re now producing the best young cricketers in the region above other junior clubs Orange City, Waratahs, Cavaliers, Kinross and Molong. “The club is, taking Kinross out of the equation because they’re a school-based side, the biggest club cricket side in Orange junior cricket,” he said. “We provide the same number of teams as Kinross do.” He said the development of those juniors had come down to one thing - a change in culture. “The professionalism now, even at junior level, and that’s driven by mainly Cricket Australia, is the biggest change I’ve seen,” he said. “In the time when I started coaching junior cricket it was just a dad that would turn up and coach. “Now, they want level one coaches to be involved. I’ve worked with some good coaches in my time at association level, too. “People like Mark Gardner, who is a highly professional coach, and I have learnt a lot off Mark. Anyone who says they don’t learn off Mark is a fool. He’s played top level cricket in Sydney and he just knows what makes people tick.” Warrington has gained plenty of knowledge in his time from guys a lot like Gardner. He’s then applied that knowledge and helped bring Orange cricket up to speed. In the past six years the 50-year-old has coached some of Orange’s best young players. Current Western Zone colts player Jason Date, Orange City’s Jono Warren, CYMS’ Hamish Finlayson and spinner Angus Polhill are just a few. His fondest memory is back in 2005-06. “When we won the under 14s, Mudgee were the bread, they were it,” he said. “They had the best side out and we were never supposed to get anywhere near them and we gave them a thrashing in the finals and we went through the whole season undefeated.“There was some good kids in that side. Chris Kostoglou was another one. There is a lot of kids playing first grade, not only with CYMS but with other clubs around town, that I know really well and I’ve coached over a period of time.” He said helping develop their games is what drove him to continue his work with the clipboard. “It’s enjoying to watching the development of the kids coming though. Especially the ones who want to make something of themselves,” he said. “Jason Date would be one of the best I’ve coached. Even when he was captain of our under 14s, he was 13 years old at the time, you didn’t have to give him any instructions. “You only had to speak to him once or twice throughout a game, and for a kid that age to captain a side and virtually make all the decisions himself, and all of the right ones, was really good.” The curtain may well have drawn on Warrington’s time involved with junior cricket but his love for the sport is far from gone. He’ll now turn his attention - albeit on a part-time basis - to CYMS’ senior ranks where John now plays for the green and golds in the ODCA first grade competition. “If [CYMS president] Steve Mullins had his way he’d have me right in with CYMS now but I’ll step back a little bit and just take some time to chill out so to speak,” he said. “I’ll certainly give Mully a hand with the first grade side at CYMS, but it’s time for someone else to take the mantle of Orange junior cricket.” Warrington’s successor will certainly have some large shoes to fill for the 2011-12 summer.

STUMPS: President Steve Warrington has been a permanent fixture around the Orange District Junior Cricket Association and St Joseph’s Sheahan Cricket Club since the 1999-2000 season. He’s now stepping down from both posts. Photo: NICK McGRATH

SJS cricketers get a new name

MICHELLE COOK 19 Aug, 2011 04:00 AM

ONE junior cricket club in Orange is making history with a new name and president. From the 2011-12 season, SJS will be known as SJS-CYMS Junior Cricket Club. Leading them in this venture will be the club’s first female president, Anne-Maree Cowden. The new president is excited to take on the role and said the club’s name is the only thing that is changing. “We’ll still affectionately be known as SJS,” Cowden said. “The club still has the same framework. The current executive doesn’t want to change anything because it’s worked so well over the years.” SJS stands for St Joseph’s Sheahan after St Joseph’s Primary School and James Sheahan Catholic High School. In 2012 St Joseph’s is changing its name to Catherine McAuley Catholic Primary School and this is part of the reason the cricket club decided to change its name. The executive thought by adding CYMS, it gave the junior players a direct pathway to the senior CYMS club. “We look forward to working with new CYMS president John Dickson and vice-president Steve Warrington,” Cowden said. It is expected to be a good working relationship with Warrington having held the SJS president’s role for the previous six years. Cowden added the junior club has appreciated the work of former CYMS president Steve Mullins. Daryl Roweth will be the SJS-CYMS vice-president, with Tracey Wishart secretary and Gerard Hannelly treasurer. Cowden said Dave Finlayson was to be commended for his work in updating the club’s constitution to accommodate the name change. SJS-CYMS Junior Cricket Club will have two sign-on days for those wanting to play. The first will be this Sunday from 11am to 1pm and the second will be on Thursday, August 25 from 4pm to 6pm, both at St Mary’s School hall. The club caters for players from Kanga through to under 17s. New players to the club will require identification. For more information contact Anne-Maree Cowden after hours on 6362 7860.

NEW LEADER: Anne-Maree Cowden.

Junior cricket's big plans

NICK MCGRATH 15 Sep, 2011 04:00 AM ORANGE junior cricket is set to undergo a revolution, with more Twenty20 cricket and a Super 8s competition set to see the game reach new heights. The new competitions are an initiative by Cricket NSW to try and increase the numbers of kids playing cricket in the Western Zone. Cricket NSW regional director of coaching, Matt Tabbernor, believes the move to the shorter forms of the game will help keep kids interested, and more importantly, enjoy playing cricket. “It’s huge,” Tabbernor said, referring to the school-based Super 8s. “Cowra get nearly 40 teams, Mudgee 30 this year, Dubbo close to 30, Parkes got 32 teams last year, Young got 16. It’s growing everywhere I go. It’s very popular.” After years of trying to get a similar competition up and running, next Thursday’s Super 8s gala day at Moulder Park will be the first of its kind in Orange. There are 18 teams - nine boys’ teams and nine girls’ outfits. It’s eight a side, everyone bowls one over in the game and everyone gets a bat. Tabbernor said the higher involvement, with each child able to bat and bowl, is crucial for the sport. “It’s basically a different form of cricket to get kids interested in playing cricket,” he said. “It’s quick and sharp, all over.” The second initiative is the Weetbix Cup Twenty20 club-based competition has been played in Sydney for a number of years. They started with 30 teams and now have well over 100. It’ll be played in both the under 14s and under 16s age groups in Orange, with both the Trent Copeland and Tim Armstrong Cups up for grabs. “There’s a bit of local feel to the competition,” Tabbernor said. “It’s just giving a different variety to cricket. And the idea behind it is in the game everyone is guaranteed to bat and bowl. Everyone gets a go. “And it’s to off-set training. Instead of hitting a ball into the side of a net, which gets a bit tedious and boring, they get to play a game of Twenty20 which is the new craze. It’s all the kids want to play.”Numbers are down throughout the Western Zone. Orange District Junior Cricket Association secretary Steve Ryan said any move designed to generate higher player interest will be considered. “We’ve got a fairly new committee and we’re trying to look at different things to try and change it up a bit because obviously we’ve seen numbers down as well,” Ryan said. The changes will hopefully see more girls play cricket, too. “The more girls we get, the better. We’d be more than keen to run a girls’ competition if we got the numbers for it,” Ryan said. The first Super 8s competition will take place at Moulder Park from 9.30am next Thursday. If anyone is interested in junior cricket for the 2011-12 season, contact Ryan on 0412 247 075. ______

ORANGE REP SIDES 2011/12 SEASON

UNDER 12’S (MITCHELL RUNNERS UP)

BACK L TO R – COHEN SCHUBERT, CHARLIE GREER, CHARLIE BLYDE, RORY DABURGER, JARVIS REGAN, MAX POWELL, FRONT - , TOM WILSON, TOM HALL, FLETCHER ROSE, ANGUS CUMMING, COOPER BINGHAM, SAM HARBISON - COACH – NICK POWELL, MANAGER EWAN POWELL

UNDER 14’S (MITCHELL CHAMPIONS)

BACK L TO R – NICK COOPER (MANAGER), DANIEL DONATO, TODD MURPHY, HUGH BRITTON, CAMERON THOMAS, GERARD HANNELLY (COACH). FRONT – MICHAEL HANNELLY, MATT VAN SCHAIK, ANGUS GILMORE, CHARLIE COOPER, JAMES DONATO, LOUIS LOCKWOOD, CHARLIE MORTIMER, SAM COOPER.

UNDER 16’S (MITCHELL RUNNERS UP)

BACK L TO R – MATT CORBEN, PAT MADDEN, BEN HAZZARD, CHRIS WARREN, DAMIEN HILL, LOUIS KOSTAGLOU FRONT – EDDIE WRIGHT, PETER CRISP, SAM NICHOLLS, BRADEN RILES, CHARLES LITCHFIELD, CHARLIE HARRIS (MISSING – NICK DUFFY) COACH ANDREW LITCHFIELD, MANAGER STUART CRISP

MITCHELL REPS FROM ORANGE 2011/12

UNDER 12’S

FLETCHER ROSE, SAM HARBISON, ANGUS CUMMING, MAX POWELL, COHEN SCHUBERT, RORY DABURGER

UNDER 14’S

TODD MURPHY, ANGUS GILMORE, JAMES DONATO, CHARLIE COOPER, DANIEL DONATO

UNDER 16’S – (NO PICTURE) MATT CORBEN, CHARLES LITCHFIELD, DAMIEN HILL, NICK DUFFY

WESTERN ZONE REPS FROM ORANGE 2011/12

UNDER 14’S (KOOKABURRA CUP) – ANGUS GILMORE, JAMES DONATO, DANIEL DONATO

UNDER 16’S (BRADMAN CUP) – CHARLES LITCHFIELD, NICK DUFFY

______

Orange 16s thrash Blue Mountains

MICHELLE COOK 09 Dec, 2011 03:00 AM ORANGE were clear 133-run winners in their Mitchell Cricket Council under 16s match against Blue Mountains on Sunday. Playing at Orange Ex-Services Country Club Oval, Orange batted first and openers Louis Kostoglou and Charles Litchfield set their side up for victory with a 178- run partnership. Kostoglou carried his bat to finish Orange’s 50 overs on 127 not out, while Litchfield impressed on his way to 69. The Kinross pair showed great running between the wickets and frustrated their opposition by often turning twos into threes. Captain Matt Corben (11), Braeden Riles (7) and Chris Warren (9no) helped Orange to 3-235. Blue Mountains made a positive start with the bat before stalling at 2-21 with accurate swing bowling from Riles (0-7), Sam Nicholls (1-14) and Peter Crisp (1-13) reaping rewards. Spin was introduced after 10 overs and it paid dividends. Blue Mountains had made some headway into the run chase before the Orange spinners wreaked havoc. Blue Mountains quickly went from 3-71 to be all out for 92. Off-spinners Nick Moran (0-22) and Eddie Wright (1-25) kept things tight and the leg-spinning duo of Pat Madden (3-5) and Nick Duffy (2-5) ripped the Blue Mountains batting line-up apart. Orange’s fielding played a huge role in their win with the side taking every catch available to them, while Nick Moran made a great run out.

Turf war at Riawena Oval

NICK MCGRATH 11 Jan, 2012 03:00 AM THE cricketing Gods certainly aren’t smiling on Orange this season. Just when officials thought they’d dodged the last bullet with Wade Park finally playing host to its first cricket game in nearly 12 months and Orange’s representative side recording a break-through one-run win over Cowra on Sunday, another shot was fired. Riawena Oval was the target of vandals late on Monday night. A wheelie bin was set on fire in the middle of the ground, severely damaging the prepared pitch set to be used this week by some of the best under 15s cricketers in the state at the 2012 Western NSW Carnival. Orange District Junior Cricket Association secretary Steve Ryan was notified of the damage to the pitch at 7am yesterday morning after Orange City Council groundsman Dave Bonham went to Riawena Oval to mark the field. The match was moved to an adjacent pitch. It’s the second time in four days a pitch has been vandalised in Orange after one of the turf wickets at Jack Brabham Oval, along with another wheelie bin, suffered the same fate on Saturday night, damaging covers in the process. Both Ryan and ODJCA president Nick Cooper aren’t happy. “They must have some knowledge (about cricket). It’s very suspect,” Cooper said. “Both times it has been on pitches prepared to play on.” Ryan said he was frustrated more than anything. Both he and Cooper have put in hours organising the under 15s carnival in Orange this week along with the Western under 13s carnival next week. “It’s frustrating. We, as an association, we’re running it this year because Carl Sharpe used to run it, we’ve taken it on because the carnivals were popular,” Ryan said. “It’s good for the community, we’ve got 20 teams coming here over two weeks, 400-odd people. It’s good for the town, and we’re getting this rubbish. When we have set backs like this, have to find new grounds, new turf, inform 40-odd people, players, staff.” Ryan and Cooper held a meeting last night to determine where the rest of the carnival will be played.

Browned off by wicket act

BY NICK MCGRATH 17 Jan, 2012 03:00 AM ORANGE’S turf cricket pitches are being picked off one-by-one with Glenroi Oval the latest target by vandals. On Sunday afternoon four wheelie bins were set alight on one of the turf pitches at Glenroi Oval, effectively ruling the ground unplayable for yesterday’s Northern Districts and Mitchell clash on the opening day of the Western NSW Under 13s carnival. It’s the third pitch in two weeks that has been vandalised by a burnt out wheelie bin. Eight days ago Riawena Oval was hit with a similar attack while two days before that, one of the covered pitches at Jack Brabham Park was burnt, not only ruling the pitch out for a week but destroying covers as well. Orange District Junior Cricket Association secretary Steve Ryan and president Nick Cooper are both responsible for organising the Western NSW carnivals over the past two weeks and say the burning of pitches was a bad look for Orange. “We’re just frustrated,” Ryan said. “But what can you do? We’re going to have to put on security guards at a cost to the association.” Cooper believes the attacks are suspicious. “The fact is again, to drag the bin onto the pitch, you’ve got to know something about cricket,” he said. “Imagine if they did it to Wade Park.” Twelve teams from across the state are in Orange this week to contest the Western NSW carnival. Yesterday’s game between Northern Districts and Mitchell was moved to Moulder Park. However, Glenroi Oval is expected to be fit for play when Dubbo takes on ACT Blue from 10am today.

WHEELIE BIN BANDITS: Glenroi Oval has been the latest turf wicket in Orange vandalised by a burnt out wheelie bin.

Cricket teams think pink

NICK MCGRATH 26 Jan, 2012 03:00 AM

THEY say real men wear pink. And on Saturday February 18 in Orange, that’s exactly what both the SJS CYMS Mary Janes Restaurant under 14s and Orange District Cricket Association defending first grade premiers Centrals will be wearing. Both sides have thrown their support behind the McGrath Foundation Pink Stumps Day, which helps raise money to fund breast care nurses in rural areas of Australia. The two teams will be decked out in pink hats and both grounds will boast pink stumps. SJS CYMS Mary Janes under 14s will be taking on another CYMS outfit at Jack Brabham Park while Centrals will fight it out against Orange City in a top of the table blockbuster at Wade Park on Saturday, February 18. SJS CYMS Mary Janes under 14s team manager Cathy Gutterson said her side was just happy to help out a good cause. “We put down $500 (as our goal) but if we get more than that we’ll be happy,” Gutterson said. Centrals second grade team took part in pink stumps day last summer and are excited to lend a hand for a good cause. The club that raises the most amount of money Australia-wide will be presented with a signed Australian team cricket bat. Already some clubs across Australia are in the vicinity of $5000 raised. If anyone is interested in helping either team raise money for the McGrath Foundation go to http://www.gofundraise.com.au/pag e/CathyGutterson or http://www.gofundraise.com.au/pag e/Centrals.

Great escape, great reward

SAM DEBENHAM 31 Jan, 2012 03:00 AM

THE Mitchell Cricket Council under 16s final will be hosted by Bathurst after a narrow escape against Orange at Police Paddock 1 on Sunday. Bathurst held on to win by just four runs in a see-sawing contest after they posted 7-180 in their 50 overs and managed to defend the 12 runs Orange needed from the final over of the match to earn hosting rights for the decider. Orange batsman Charlie Litchfield almost got his side home with a classy half-century and some help from Nick Duffy (26), but a nerveless bowling performance from the Bathurst attack held them at bay for just long enough. “Charlie was holding things together for Orange and it was getting to the stage where I didn’t think run restriction was going to get us over the line; we had to go for wickets,” Bathurst coach Damian Hanrahan said. “At one stage they needed 17 off about 30 balls but we did manage to slow them down and took some wickets, and it came down to 12 from the final over. “They hit a four and I thought ‘that’s interesting’, but a couple of dot balls put it back in our favour and we managed to hang on. Tight would be a mild way of putting it in the end.” Batting first, Bathurst stayed on track for a decent score for the majority of their innings, but things could have been different were it not for contributions in the middle-order from Alex Johnston (39), Callum Hotham (28) and Michael Waldren (25). Some handy runs towards the end of the innings from Emerson Meehan (17 not out) and Casey Wallace (16) bumped them to a competitive score despite some tight and disciplined bowling from the visitors. “They bowled really well. They were tight and stump-to-stump and they had a couple of very good fielders in close who did a great job. Their catches stuck and they made it tough for us to score,” Hanrahan said. “We were lucky that Callum, Mike and Alex really consolidated in the middle-order. We hit the loose balls, but we weren’t given many. We thought the score was defendable if we bowled the way Orange did.” The Bathurst attack showed its depth in the Orange innings, led by Jayden Fuller, who took 3-30. Tyler Horton was vital in grabbing 2-17 from seven overs. Hanrahan had plenty of praise for his attack. “Casey Wallace went for 26 off 10 overs, Kyle Aubin came back into the side and went for 21 from six and Callum Hotham took 1-9 off four, so the bowlers in general did really well when the game was on the line,” he said. “Reece Green deserves a special mention. He is our first choice spinner, but the situation of the game meant he didn’t get a bowl at all. But his energy in the field and his talk was fantastic. “Now we’ve got two weeks off to prepare for the grand final. We definitely have a few things we can work on and we might have to work on a batting plan to handle that same sort of bowling if we face Orange again. They are a good side and well-coached.”

Under 12s will host final

SAM DEBENHAM 31 Jan, 2012 03:00 AM

THE Bathurst under 12s team will host the final of the Mitchell Cricket Council competition after a tight victory over Orange at Learmonth Park on Sunday in the major semi-final. Bathurst held on to claim a 19-run win, in a match punctuated by a massive total of 124 wides. Playing on a synthetic – and relatively thin – strip, both sides struggled with their lines, particularly outside off-stump, but the fact that one side bowled 64 (Orange) and the other 60 meant that the high wide tallies more or less cancelled each other out. In the end, the difference was some brill-iant fielding from the home team which produced three run-outs as the game began to get tight, as well as some frugal bowling in the closing overs. “All the bowlers on both sides struggled with their control a bit but Aiden McBurney [1-17] and Nicholas Broes [1-8] really tightened things up and, under pressure, Sam Sloan [1-15] with his leg-spinners was very impressive too,” said Bathurst coach Steve Peacock. “The boys kept some cool heads under pressure with three run-outs when the game was getting tight and that proved the difference.” Batting first, Bathurst were steady early on, getting a good contribution from Cole Mutton (25) at the top of the order before they staggered, losing three wickets in one over at one stage to slip to 6-107 in the 23rd over. That they managed to bat out their remaining overs and finish with 8-155 was a huge effort in the context of the game and Luke Powell’s 20 was vital, while Broes made an important unbeaten 12 batting at number nine. “Cole hasn’t had a lot of opportunities with the bat this season but he got a chance last week and made 40-odd,” Peacock said. “We kept him at number three for this match and he did a really good job. “There were a few telling stands, and to bat out 40 overs after being six-down was a big effort.” Bathurst will now host the winner out of Orange and the Blue Mountains, who defeated Lithgow in the minor-semi on Sunday. “We’re pretty evenly matched with Orange so it probably wouldn’t be a surprise to see us playing them again in the decider,” Peacock said.

ALL-ROUND: Nick Broes proved to be a key member of the Bathurst under 12s side which defeated Orange on Sunday afternoon, making some handy runs and bowling an important spell. Photo: CHRIS SEABROOK 012912cu12s3

Under 14s will have to wait

MARK RAYNER 31 Jan, 2012 03:00 AM

The Bathurst under 14s will take on Mudgee for the right to play in the Mitchell Cricket Council grand final after they went down by 62 runs against Orange at Riawena Oval on Saturday. Orange maintained their unbeaten run to earn a home grand final, while Bathurst will play again in a fortnight to try to earn a rematch. The hosts were sent into bat by Bathurst, making 172 before they were dismissed. Bathurst found it hard to withstand the onslaught from the Orange fast bowlers and, with some slow scoring early, the run rate began to get away from them. They finished on 6-110 after 50 overs but learned a lot from their first match of the season against Orange. “We hadn’t played Orange during the regular rounds because our match against them was washed out, but we knew they were going to be the team to beat,” Bathurst coach Richard Newell said. “In all likelihood the two teams are going to meet again in the grand final, so we decided we would use this game to figure out what we need to do to beat them then.” Orange lost an early wicket but opener Angus Gilmore anchored the innings with his knock of 52 runs, while James Donato also made 39. The Bathurst bowlers then began to make inroads later in the innings, tearing through the middle order, before a bit of resistance from the tail. Ryan Peacock was the best of the bowlers for the visitors, finishing with 4-21 off 10, while Henry Allen (3-10 off four) and Dillon Sargent (2-27 off 10) also chipped in to help get Orange away from the crease. According to Newell, the performance late in the innings was one of the real highlights, and something they can build on if they get past Mudgee and into the final. “There were definitely some positives to come from the game. We managed to bowl them out when they could have scored 200 against us. Our last [bowling] session was very good, we took seven wickets, and if we could have found that zing earlier, it could have been a different game,” he said. “Eight of those wickets were either bowled or LBW, so it shows that the guys were bowling stump to stump and doing very well.” Unfortunately for Bathurst, their batsmen struggled to overcome a fired-up Orange attack. Jonty Gardner showed plenty of determination to finish with 39, while Peacock chipped in with 16. The score was only 1-28 after 17 overs, and while the scoring picked up, it wasn’t enough for them to be able to challenge Orange.

Ready to be thrown in at the deep end

NICK MCGRATH 02 Feb, 2012 03:00 AM

ORANGE cricketers Matt Corben and Braden Riles have earned selection in the Western Region outfit to contest the NSW Combined High Schools Boys’ Cricket Championships in Campbelltown this month. The pair earned selection in the side after playing well in a trial at Dubbo last year. With Corben a regular in Cavaliers’ first grade side and Riles getting a taste of the top grade with City Warriors this Orange District Cricket Association season, both bring a wealth of experience to the Western Region outfit. But in many ways, the two Orange High School students will be thrown in at the deep end when the championships kick off on Monday, February 13, at Campbelltown. Riles, usually a left arm medium pacer, will be used as a spinning option, while Corben will open the batting. Their coach, Canobolas Rural Technology High School teacher Trent Colley, was confident both will do a job. But Riles, 15, said he was a little nervous about his new role. “I usually do a bit of both (batting and bowling) but I got picked for my off spin,” Riles said. “I’m normally a quick but I bowled left arm orthodox at the trial and went well.” Corben said while he was confident at the top of the order, opening the innings with the bat would be a test. “It’s the first time I’ll be opening the batting so we’ll see how I go with that,” Corben, 16, said. The duo will face a baptism of fire against Sydney South West in their first match before taking on Riverina and Sydney North in their final two games. “We’re probably assuming one of the Sydney teams will be the hardest to beat,” Riles said. The pair have represented Mitchell and Orange in representative cricket before but both believe the NSWCHS championships later this month will be some of the hardest cricket they’ve played. “It’ll be tough. It’ll be a challenge for sure,” Corben added. The 2012 NSWCHS cricket championships will begin on Monday, February 13 and finish on Thursday, February 16.

WESTERN REGION NSWCHS: Brent Tucker (c - Parkes HS), Stuart Fredericks (vc - Mudgee HS), Jacob Hill (vc - Dubbo Senior Campus), Matthew Corben (Orange HS), Danial French (Dubbo Senior Campus), Luke Hillier (Cobar HS), Henry Hunt (Henry Lawson HS), Ryan Kurtz (Mudgee HS), Jarrod Nicholson (Forbes HS), Ben Patterson (Dubbo South), Braden Riles (Orange HS), Hayden Sealey (Condobolin HS), Corey Suckling (Dubbo Senior Campus).

WESTERN REPS: Braden Riles (left) and Matt Corben will play for Western Region at the NSW Combined High Schools Boys’ Cricket Championships in Campbelltown.

SJS-CYMS juniors show that real cricketing men wear pink

21 Feb, 2012 03:00 AM

Saturday’s McGrath Foundation Pink Stumps Day was a fantastic success. Three Orange sides got behind the initiative, with SJS-CYMS Mary Jane’s Restaurant under 14s, Waratahs’ Centenary Cup side and Centrals first grade outfits all showing their support for the worthy cause. Anne-Maree Cowden, SJS Cyms President, congratulated her club’s under 14s team, as well as all parents and supporters who got involved with the day’s activities and fundraising. “Adrian Pluymers and Cathy Gutterson, coach and manager of the U/14 Mary Jane’s Restaurant, both did a wonderful job in organising the day’s festivities,” Cowden said. All fundraising efforts will go towards supporting the McGrath Foundation, which funds breast cancer nurses across the nation.

NOT BOWLED OVER: Pink was the order of the day in honour of the McGrath Foundation. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0218jrcrick3

Bathurst underdogs go down by a whisker

BY MARK RAYNER 21 Feb, 2012 03:00 AM

Bathurst didn’t come away from their Mitchell Cricket Council under 14s grand final against Orange as premiers but the talented side did push their opponents all the way before going down by 14 runs. Orange went into the game as red hot favourites after marching through the group stage undefeated but Bathurst had learned a lot after going down to them by 62 runs in the semi-final. Playing at Max Stewart Oval in Orange, the hosts batted first and made 9-163 from their 40 overs. Bathurst tried some unconventional tactics which looked like they were going to pay off as they shot ahead of the run rate but they began to lose wickets at regular intervals and in the closing stages, they lost their momentum, eventually getting bowled out for 149. “We lost by 14 runs but it was still an absolute mammoth effort. It came down to the wire and we probably could have snatched the win if not for an inopportune run out,” Bathurst coach Richard Newell said. “For most of the 40 overs we were in front of their run rate but a couple of wickets behind. While we were 14 runs behind with 12 balls remaining when the last wicket fell, before the run out we needed 18 with 25 balls remaining and I think we would have got there. “That team is a star-studded side who should beat us nine out of 10 times so to go so close to winning was outstanding.” Orange won the toss and elected to bat first with James Donato making 39 and Michael Hannelly 31. Bathurst bowlers Oscar Hutchings and Jayden Burrow took two wickets each, did their best to keep the target low and their work in the field proved to be solid. The new-look Bathurst opening partnership of Jonty Gardner and Oscar Hutchings got the visitors off to a flier. Hutchings made a quick 31 before he was caught while further down the order, Henry Allen made 34 to keep his side in the running before he was the last wicket to fall. “We put Oscar Hutchings in as an opening pinch hitter and that threw Orange. He made 31 in the first six overs and got us ahead of the run rate. Orange were pretty quiet at that stage,” Newell said. One of the most pleasing aspects of the season for Newell was the development of the players. “All of the guys improved with each game. Our round game against Orange was washed out which meant we didn’t know what to expect from them when we met in the semi-final. We learned a lot from that game and it helped us to come up with a game plan for the final,” he said. “Everyone performed so well and should be really happy with their effort.”

Orange is stunned by bowling blitz

BY SAM DEBENHAM 21 Feb, 2012 03:00 AM

BATHURST have pulled off a stunning win over Orange to claim the Mitchell Cricket Council under 16s trophy at Morse Park 1 on Sunday. With a huge afternoon storm on the horizon ordinarily the match would have been decided on run rate or replayed in a few weeks, but no-one told the Bathurst bowling attack. Defending a mediocre 136, they ripped the Orange top-order apart and dismissed them for just 54, the first nine wickets falling in just 21 overs. Orange’s final pair, to their credit, produced a frustrating 23-run stand that lasted 18 overs however the result was all but sealed by that point, and even if the rain did come sooner Bathurst were well ahead by comparison. Blayney’s Casey Wallace was the star, hitting a vital 30 batting at number eight when his side were in strife at 6-65 before taking 3-12 from 10 overs with the new ball. None of the Orange batsmen were able to manage double figures, with Kyle Aubin (3-6 from eight) also putting the squeeze on. “We didn’t quite produce what we were aiming at with the bat but boy we went close with the ball, we were ridiculously accurate and hostile and basically just bowled a lot of balls where the batsmen doesn’t want them,” winning co-coach Damien Hanrahan said. “It was a very satisfying feeling to have a team as good as Orange at 9-30. “Before the game we thought the pitch would be tough to bat on and that scoring would be tough but [captain] Mike Waldren wanted to set the agenda and that’s what we went with. “When we were getting ready to bowl we asked if there was anyone who didn’t think we had enough runs on the board and all the boys agreed we had a winning score as long as we bowled the way we wanted to.” Bathurst started poorly as Jeremy Judge departed in the first over without scoring but Tyler Horton (11) and Michael Waldren (27) steadied and took the score to a comfortable 1-34. Orange then took 5-41 in a sustained period of dominance but Callum Hotham (25) linked with Wallace for a vital 42-run stand that at least ensured the home side would have a chance if they bowled well.Charlie Litchfield was the best of the bowlers for Orange, taking 3-4 from five overs, while two run-outs hurt the Bathurst team. Wallace struck with just the second ball of the Orange innings to get rid of Litchfield, and from that point on the Bathurst foot never left the throat of their opponents. At 5-19 things threatened to get even worse for the visitors when it appeared one of their batsmen had been run-out, but in a nice gesture ‘keeper Waldren admitted he wasn’t sure he had gloved the ball cleanly before taking the bails, and called the batsman back. From there it was a procession, and only a fighting last wicket stand between Peter Crisp (eight) and Nick Moran (seven) allowed the visitors to break 50. “Orange were closer to us than the scoreboard indicates but on Sunday they were only as good as we allowed them to be,” Hanrahan said. “I was really proud of what Mike did with the Orange batsman, he showed great respect to the game and to the opposition. “Sunday was one of those great days when you put something into place and it just comes off. “The boys should be very proud, I have a great feeling about the win and [co-coach] Adrian Bowden should be very proud of what he’s contributed as well.”

Gough, Ryan hoping to double their weekend fun

MICHELLE COOK 31 Mar, 2012 03:00 AM

THERE is more than one title on the line this weekend for James Ryan and Liam Gough. The duo will play the second day of the Orange District Junior Cricket Association open grand final this morning with Cavaliers. After this they will head to Wade Park to contest the Orange District Cricket Association first grade grand final on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a huge weekend for the 16-year-olds but they’re happy to be playing in two deciders with Cavaliers. “I wouldn’t do it for anything else,” Ryan said. “Lucky we’re young,” Gough laughed. This morning Cavaliers will resume against SJS-CYMS Sportsmans Warehouse in the open junior decider. Last Saturday SJS-CYMS were removed for 82 with Gough taking three wickets. Cavaliers then picked up at the bat and were 0-9 at stumps with Ryan on four not out. Both are keen to finish their junior careers on a high. “It’s our last game of junior cricket ever,” Ryan said. “It’s a bit sad but we’ll never have to get up at 8.30am on Saturday for cricket ever again.” This afternoon Cavaliers and Centrals clash at Wade Park in a rematch of last season’s ODCA first grade decider. Gough and Ryan, who have played all their junior Orange representative cricket together, might be young but they’re not new to senior grand finals. They were a part of Cavaliers’ victory over CYMS in 2009-10 as well as their loss to Centrals last season. Even though they’ve been there before, the pair agree grand finals don’t get easier. “I reckon they get harder,” Ryan said. “You become more involved. There’s more pressure. But if we win, we feel like we’ve helped.” The teenagers have more important roles in Cavaliers now with Gough opening the bowling and Ryan opening the batting for the first grade side. Gough has taken 33 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 10.51 this season with his left-arm pace bowling. Included in this are his best figures of 6-23 against Kinross last month. Ryan has made 155 runs this season including an unbeaten 25 against CYMS in the semi-final. They know they need to do their jobs this weekend against Centrals. “It’s the grand final so everyone puts in that extra effort,” Gough said. “Centrals have done well all year. They’ve got core players and we’ve got to work hard in our bowling. “We’ve got to do the basics right.” Cavaliers captain Richie Venner echoed Gough’s words and added his players were focused on delivering a strong performance. “It’s another game but it’s also our last game,” Venner said. Gough and Ryan will play their open decider at Jack Brabham 1 this morning before heading to Wade Park for the first grade grand final. DYNAMIC DUO: James Ryan and Liam Gough will have two grand finals for Cavs this weekend. Photo: MICHELLE COOK 0329mccavs

Duo has a season to remember

09 Apr, 2012 04:00 AM

YOU’D be hard pressed to find two young cricketers more successful in season 2011-12 than Louis Lockwood and Michael Hannelly. The SJS- CYMS young guns dominated the under 14s age group. Competing in the Orange District Junior Cricket Association under 14s competition, the pair helped the side win its fourth straight premiership while also helping the same team go through the NSW cricket Trent Copeland Cup undefeated. Lockwood’s and Hannelly’s performances throughout the season also warranted selection in Orange’s under 14s representative outfit, with the team then going on to claim the Mitchell Cricket Council under 14s crown undefeated. The pair also helped James Sheahan Catholic College go through the Dale McIntosh Trophy as undefeated premiers. Stepping up into the senior ranks, the duo helped CYMS to the Orange District Cricket Association colts and Centenary Cup premierships. In addition, Lockwood, 14, and Hannelly, 13, played in the James Sheahan Berg Shield cricket team that made it through to the final eight teams in NSW. Season 2012-13 will be a memorable one if they can top this year’s effort.

TOP TWO: Louis Lockwood (left) and Michael Hannelly have plenty to show for their amazing cricket season.

Groups share funding benefits

12 Apr, 2012 04:00 AM YOUNG cricket players, homeless people and the Bowen community will all benefit from the NSW government’s community building partnership funding. Thanks to the program a total of $149,631 has been allocate to projects in the Orange City Council local government area. The big winners were the Orange District Junior Cricket Association which received $51,000 to build its indoor training facility, the Bowen Community Technology Centre which was allocated $49,881 and the Orange Community Accommodation Service which was given $16,750 to refurbish its homeless shelter Lawson House. Member for Orange Andrew Gee said the money was part of a state-wide roll out of $35 million for 1,424 community projects. “The Orange City Council region has eight projects ranging from $2,000 to $51,000 that will receive funding, making a great impact on the day- to-day lives of our communities,” he said. “Local construction and trades jobs and local businesses stand to benefit from the activity as community infrastructure is built, refurbished or enhanced.” Other groups to receive funding include: Orange & District Pistol Club ($2,000 for the provision of disabled access); Orange Indoor Tennis Club Inc ($5,500 to upgrade lighting at indoor facility); Second Orange Scouts ($7,800 to repairs floors and walls); Orange Senior Citizens Association ($5,000 to install blinds and internal bi-fold doors); and Orange Girl Guides with $11,700 to upgrade electrical wiring, fencing and internal painting at their hall.

Howzat for a cricket facility? By NICK McGRATH July 25, 2012, 4 a.m.

ORANGE looks set to boast the best cricket training facility west of the Blue Mountains if a proposal to build a multi-purpose shed at Waratahs sportsground comes to fruition. In the works for the last 12 months, the Orange District Junior Cricket Association has put plans in place to build a 40-metre by 18-metre indoor training facility set to be utilised by both the junior and senior associations. ODJCA president Nick Cooper said the multi-purpose shed - which will include four nets side-by-side as well as room for basic skills drills for rugby union and hockey in winter - was very close to becoming a reality. The ODJCA already has near half the amount required to fund the $250,000 facility. “It’s been on the cards for 12 months,” Mr Cooper said. “We have, from the junior carnivals we ran back in January, about $15,000 and we’ve got a verbal agreement with seniors that they’ll throw some money in. We’ve also got a state government grant of $51,000 so

we’ve basically got half the money already.” The ODJCA has also approached Orange City Council to help support costs towards the construction of the facility.

Council has determined, if any financial support is given, it could come in the form of $50,000, $10,000 per year over three years or provide a guarantee for a bank

loan the club may take out to complete the project. “I think we should find out from council some time this week,” Mr Cooper said. “We’re hoping to get the shed

built early next year. We’ve built it with the view of it being used for both juniors and seniors. “But it’s something the region doesn’t have. It can be used for

representative teams, Mitchell and Western teams. Everyone is going to be able to use it. There’s basically nothing like it between western Sydney and Perth.”

Juniors open arms to one and all by embracing Twenty20 By By NICK MCGRATH Sept. 5, 2012, midnight

• GOING TWNTY20: ODJecretary Steve Ryan says kids will love the association's junior Twenty20 cricket competition. Photo: NICK McGRATH 0904nmodjca

IT’S not just the Orange District Cricket Association getting swept up in the hype of Twenty20 cricket with international superstars Chris Gayle, Dave

Warner and Shahid Afridi set to take the second KFC Big Bash by storm this summer. The Orange District Junior Cricket Association’s clubs will

this season be contesting the rock and roll form of cricket every Tuesday afternoon. The format is set to be played on synthetic wickets across the

city, with the likes of Moulder Park, Max Stewart Oval and Anzac Park set to play host to a multitude of under 14s and under 16s sides at anyone

time. The news comes just a month out from the start of the 2012-13 cricket season, with both the ODJCA and ODCA set to host a combined sign-

on day this weekend at Riawena Oval. Clubs will be at the ground from 2-4pm on Saturday and then from 10am to 12pm on Sunday. ODJCA

secretary Steve Ryan said the combined sign-on day was a great chance for senior and junior clubs to build a positive relationship while the

Twenty20 competition was about giving as many kids a game of cricket as possible. “Also I think it’s important senior and junior clubs have a

relationship,” Ryan enthused. “The senior teams have to survive on the juniors coming through so if we can promote it together that’d be good.

There’s no seniors without the juniors.” Milo and kanga cricket sign ons will also be at Riawena. “It’s a participation thing, just about getting more

kids playing cricket and Twenty20,” Ryan said. Budding players who aren’t part of the ODCA senior cricket competition and still 17 years of age will

be eligible to play in the ODJCA’s under 16s Twenty20 competition. Association with a Saturday team is also not necessary. “It’s just about catering

for that over age player who doesn’t want to play senior cricket but there isn’t a spot for him in junior cricket,” he said. “If that works in well and gets

more kids playing, that’d be great,” he said. Senior cricket season begins on October 6 with the juniors starting the following Saturday on October

13.

October 4 2012 – Max Shepherd Shield Dubbo – Hamish Sheehan bowling, Michael Hannelly is the wicketkeeper

Injured Tremain can bounce back By MICHELLE COOK Oct. 19, 2012, 4:30 a.m.

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INJURY has sidelined Chris Tremain for six weeks but the NSW SpeedBlitz Blues squad member is taking it in his stride. The Orange product was

home yesterday, along with NSW teammate, Bathurst’s Trent Copeland, to attend some cricket clinics. Tremain suffered a side strain during his first

game of the season with University of NSW. He’s already had three weeks off and it will be another three before he’s playing again. Even though

he’s frustrated, he’s staying upbeat. “Really it’s a rite of passage for fast bowlers. I think you have to have a lot of injuries,” he joked. “I did get a bit

cranky the other day going through the motions at rehab but it’s part of the game.” The 21-year-old has plenty to look forward to once he has

recovered. He will return to the UNSW team but is also expected to play for NSW and has signed with the Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League.

This is why Tremain wants to make sure his injury is right before he plays again. “It’s just to play consistently,” he said of his goals. “The biggest

worry for the support staff and myself is if I come back too early I can do the strain again and then I’ll miss the Big Bash and other games.” The fast

bowler said during pre-season, the NSW coaches earmarked him as someone who could feature in the one-day side. “They like what I have to offer

with the white ball,” he said. Copeland said Tremain had been a welcome addition to the NSW squad this season. “Trem is nice, youthful and

exuberant. He brings that country attitude to the squad which the Sydney boys find refreshing,” Copeland said. “He’s young and he bowls fast and

once he comes back from injury, hopefully he’ll be in the mix to play some games.” Yesterday Tremain and Copeland were the special guests at the

T20 Blast Day at Jack Brabham Park and then the Orange In2Cricket sign-on at Wade Park. Tremain said it had been a lot of fun. “The kids really

enjoyed it. They were excited when we turned up,” he smiled. “It was good to see a lot of girls getting involved too.”

ODJCA U14 Rep 2012-13 BACK (L-R): Ian Britton (manager), Tom Belmonte, Hamish Sheehan, Jack Cornish, Ethan Kennedy, Mitchell Winslade, Charlie Mortimer, Gerard Hannelly (coach). FRONT (L-R): Tom West, Cohen Schubert, Michael Hannelly (co-captain), Hugh Britton (co-captain), Fletcher Rose, Angus Cumming.

Youngsters pad up for a tour of New Zealand By CRICKET Jan. 15, 2013, 4 a.m.

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HAVE BATS WILL TRAVEL: Orange's under 16 side set to tour Otago, New Zealand, (left, back) Andrew Litchfield (coach), Will Olsen, Cameron

Williams, Daniel Donato, Chris Warren, Tom Rodgers, James Donato, Phil Donato (manager), (fron) Sam Nicholls, Sam Cooper, Angus Gilmore,

Peter Crisp, Rowan Wilson, Braden Riles, Charles Litchfield.

THE Orange under 16 representative side yesterday left for the south island of New Zealand to take part in four tour games to further enhance the

development of the city’s generation next. The team of Sam Cooper, Peter Crisp, Daniel Donato, James Donato, Angus Gilmore, Charles Litchfield,

Sam Nicholls, Braden Riles, Will Olson, Tom Rogers, Chris Warren, Cameron Williams and Rowan Wilson will make the trip across the Tasman for

the 11-day tour. Led by coach Andrew Litchfield and manager Phil Donato, the under 16 side will fly into Queenstown before travelling to Wanaka,

Alexandria and Dunedin. The first game is arguably the toughest, with Orange set to take on Otago Country under 17s in a two-day fixture before

playing Otago Country under 16s in a 50-over match and then two games against Otago Country under 15s, the first a 50-over match and then a

Twenty20. The team will arrive back in Sydney on Friday, January 25. Litchfield, along with the help of Donato and assistance from six other touring

parents, said the aim of the tour was for the team to enjoy themselves playing cricket in another country. “And realise that playing cricket can be a

great way to travel and see other parts of the world,” he added. “We’ve also organised some group activities on days off in Queenstown and

Wanaka which the boys and parents will enjoy.”

The ODJCA Touring Party to New Zealand (Otago) January 2013 There’s no relaxing day at the cricket for substitute Ryan By CRICKI LEAKS Jan. 18, 2013, 4 a.m.

STEVE Ryan, Nick Cooper and Scott Larsen have done an outstanding job over the last two weeks running the Western NSW cricket carnivals

around the city. We tip our hats to the hard-working trio. But both Ryan’s and Cooper’s involvement on the field last weekend caught the eye of

Cricki Leaks. On Orange’s hottest January day since records were taken, Ryan pulled up a chair in the 37 degree heat to watch Cavaliers’ first

grade outfit, a side consisting of in-form son James, field against CYMS at Country Club Oval. He did that for all of three overs. Cavs young bowler

Charlie Foran left the field with a back problem and Ryan went on as the side’s sub for the remaining 79 overs. Cricki Leaks wasn’t surprised to

hear the ball followed Ryan everywhere. So much so, after taking the catch for the final wicket of the innings, Ryan senior laid motionless in the

Country Club outfield for some time while grateful team-members rushed to his aid. Cricki Leaks is tipping Ryan copped plenty after the big day

fielding. Probably not quite as much as Cooper copped though. Cooper, batting at number 11 while playing for Orange City, retired hurt in a

Centenary Cup match after receiving a nasty delivery from a 12-year-old at Anzac Park last Saturday. We’re reliably informed the bruise to Cooper’s

Chaminda Vaas recovered in time for him to continue in his role as carnival conveyor. Well done boys, enjoy the break.

Cricket-loving dads bowled over by recognition By NICK McGRATH Jan. 28, 2013, 4 a.m.

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BIG DAY: Steve Ryan with both the 2013 Sporting Organisation of the Year award, won by the Orange District Junior Cricket Association, and the

2013 Business Support Award, won by Waratah Sports Club. Photo: LUKE SCHUYLER 0126lsoz

A GROUP of dads getting involved in junior cricket to ensure their sons get the same enjoyment out of the game they loved as kids do what they do

simply because “it’s the right thing to do”. Nick Cooper, Gerard Hannelly, Scott Larsen and Steve Ryan never imagined they’d one day be

recognised for it. But on Saturday at Cook Park, the cricket-loving quartet that makes up the executive committee of the Orange District Junior

Cricket Association was singled out for its efforts with the 2013 Australia Day Sports Awards sporting organisation of the year gong. Accepted by

Ryan, the ODJCA’s secretary, the award is a wonderful reward for a hard-working group of dads. “You don’t do it to be recognised, we do it for the

kids and because it’s the right thing to do,” Ryan said. “We just want to see kids playing cricket. It’s nice to be recognised for what we do.” The

2012-13 summer, only now midway through, has been an action-packed one for the ODJCA. Just last month the executive went about organising

and managing two Western NSW junior cricket carnivals in Orange, with hundreds of people flocking to the city to take part in the under 13 and

under 15 competitions. The tournaments were established by Quality Sporting Services director Carl Sharpe over 16 years ago and have since

been conducted in Orange annually. But with Sharpe’s retirement in 2011 and the subsequent closure of Quality Sporting Services, an opportunity

become available for the junior cricket association to take over the co-ordination and management of these tournaments, an opportunity the

association grabbed with both hands. With a membership of 500 players , the ODJCA is also on the brink of enjoying the benefits of a purpose-built

indoor training centre for cricket after receiving a $50,000 state government grant last year. The sporting organisation of the year award is given to a

sporting body that has gone above and beyond the normal role of administering their sport; taking steps to make improvements for their members or

promote their sport to the wider community. Few could argue Ryan, Cooper, Hannelly and Larson don’t fit the bill. And they’re already looking at

making 2013-14 better for cricketing kids again. “We’ve had feedback from the carnival and already teams are looking at coming back,” Ryan said.

“Next year we’ll tinker with it a little bit to make it even better and when this season is over we’ll look at getting into the indoor facility.”

Vale Peter Weston

• Thursday, 31 January 2013 08:12 Written by Geoff Mann

CRICKETERS across the west have been saddened to hear of the passing of cricket umpire Peter Weston from the Mitchell Cricket Council. Pete was only a small man, but he was instantly recognisable by his wide-brimmed hat and heavy coating of white zinc cream on the proboscis. A lifetime devotee of the great Australian summer pastime, Pete spent thousands of hours with under-age, senior and representative cricketers. He was unassuming, highly respected for his uncomplicated approach to the game and extremely welcoming to visiting colleagues. Pete will be sadly missed in Orange and Bathurst District Cricket and the wider Mitchell Cricket Council and Western Zone. In his long career, Peter umpired many western cricketers who have gone on to play Australia, NSW and other states in Sheffield Shield and One Day Matches. He has held the cap for International Hall of Fame inductee Glenn McGrath from Narromine, explosive Dubbo fast bowlers Chris Killen and Don Nash and Mudgee’s Tim Lang as they ploughed their way through batting line-ups on their way to the top. He has given “centre” to brilliant Blayney Test batsman Peter Toohey, Bathurst Master Blaster Kevin Geyer, Dubbo’s supremely talented NSW/Vic wicket-keeper Nathan Pilon and the current crop of locally-fostered NSW Speedblitz Blues including Scott Henry (Mudgee), Daniel Hughes (Cowra) and young Yeoval quick Chris Tremain. Peter had a birds-eye view as off-spinner Nathan Lyons (Young) and all-rounder Trent Copeland (Bathurst) developed through the age groups. He was chuffed when both, coincidentally, made their Test debuts in the same match in Sri Lanka last year. Peter Weston shunned the limelight, as happy in “the best seat in the house” officiating junior or schools matches as he was in Inter-Zone or Combined High Schools. He was one of the first umpires selected each year for the CHS Alan Davidson and Marie Cornish Shield Finals. No doubt all concerned will acknowledge his contribution when those matches are played in Bathurst over the next few weeks. Peter was farewelled in Blayney on Tuesday, his colleagues united as they recited their mantra, “may all the edges be big ones” and clicked their counters together in one last call of “over”.