A devastating century from Mick Curtale gifted Cowra a bonus point victory against Orange in the opening round of the Western Zone Premier League on Saturday.
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Played at Cowra’s Twigg Oval, an unbeaten 135-run third wicket partnership between Curtale and Josh Carmody piloted the hosts to a convincing eight wicket win.
Curtale finished unbeaten on 122 while Carmody played a vital role at the other end and remained not out 32.
Curtale’s first 50 came from 39 balls before he further turned the screws and raced to his 100 in 60 balls.
In total, his 69-ball innings included 11 fours and nine sixes.
Cowra passed Orange’s total of 203 in the 30th over to record a bonus point victory ahead of round two on Sunday against Parkes.
“That was an outstanding innings,” Cowra skipper NIck Berry said of Curtale’s 122 not out.
“Josh [Carmondy] played a roll where it’s very difficult. When there’s a guy going down the other end and to not go for outlandish shot is really good.
“We look forward to tomorrow.”
After being sent in, Orange slipped to 2-12 after five overs with Cowra quick Jacob McNaught making early use of the bowler-friendly conditions.
Josh Doherty (73) was the glue during the middle overs but he was given almost no support as the rest of Orange’s top order failed to contribute.
Lower order batsmen Fletcher Rose (28), Ed Morrish (15) and number 11 Zac Reimer (16) caused a few Cowra players headaches in the final session, boosting Orange from 8-152 to 203 all out in the 50th over – a score the visitors.would have been confident with.
Cowra’s best with the ball were McNaught (3-54) and Carmody’s off-spin (3-40).
In reply, the hosts lost openers Nick Berry (27) and Peter Guthrie (12) in the opening session to Orange skipper Darly Kennewell (2-32) however Curtale and Carmody then united for a match-winning 135-run partnership.
Tomorrow, Cowra heads to Parkes’ Woodward Oval while Orange hosts Dubbo at Wade Park.