Cowra is placing a huge emphasis on its round one McDonald’s Country Cup clash with Orange this Saturday, with the hope of forming a campaign that goes deep into the competition.
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With no Western Premier League this season, local cricketers have limited opportunity to represent Cowra, and the Country Cup is a knockout tournament.
Coach Matt Crawley is aware of the importance of Saturday’s match, and is confident with the selected players.
“It’s the only thing this season without the premier league, and the nature of the competition is if you lose it’s the season over,” Crawley said.
“We have four seamers, some spinners and we bat deep. I think we have all basis covered.
“We have a top order that is capable of scoring big runs and there’s a lot of experience in the middle order.”
Cowra is led by NSW Country captain Nick Berry who, alongside Western Zone representatives Tim Berry and Jacob McNaught, headlines the side.
Tim Berry and McNaught star in Cowra’s pace-bowling department, while Brendan Traves, Nick Berry and Jackson Moodie add strong depth.
The batting order is deep, highlighted with the experience of Greg Garlick and Scott Gray in the middle-order.
Saturday’s winner will progress to this Sunday’s round two match against Parkes.
Crawley, though, isn’t looking past round one.
“We will have a Grinsted Cup challenge at some point, but our focus is on the Country Cup and we have to win if we want to play the best teams,” he said before talking about Saturday’s opponents.
“I know a lot of the Orange guys, they have experience. And they have signaled their intentions by scheduling a general bye for their club cricket on Saturday, as we have done.
“I really want to see Cowra do well,” he added.
In the corresponding game last year, Cowra defended 127, sparking an Orange batting collapse after lunch and going on to net a 22-run win.
Saturday’s match begins at 10am at Orange’s Country Club Oval.
Cowra: Nick Berry (c), Tim Berry, Josh Carmody, Conor Crook, Greg Garlick, Scott Gray, Peter Guthrie, Jacob McNaught, Jackson Moodie, Jonte Powderly, Brendan Traves, Scott Wilson.
