Guyra are in the box seat to secure their first win since moving to Armidale Cricket’s first grade competition this season but the job’s only half done.
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Taking on City in the first day of the two-day game, Guyra were sent in to bat first and their openers set to work early with Jason Campbell earning 17 and Shane Wolfenden 26.
City’s bowlers found it difficult to get a roll on in taking wickets as Guyra’s batsmen consolidated and all contributed to their side’s total of 171.
Demielle Landsborough top scored with 39 while Matt Finlay (33) Jason Campbell (17), Ben Jackson (16) and Nick Page (15no) all managed to put runs on the board.
Early signs were promising for City’s batsmen with Andrew Skinner and Andy Sawyer starting strong before Guyra’s young bowling attack invoked a middle-order collapse.
Jake Ellis finished the day with five wickets, BJ Cameron with two and Tom Smith with one.
Karl Triebe (24) was City’s only batsman to pass 20 runs as they finished the day at 8-87.
Guyra have been building all season with a heavy focus in training on patience with the bat and consistent “line and length” with the ball.
Captain Charlie Keen was happy with the day one performance of his team.
“The batting was definitely a highlight with most of the players scoring some very handy runs,” he said.
“Just shows that Guyra has the ability to bat all the way down the order.
“I honestly would have been a lot happier if we reached that 200 run mark but 170 had to do.”
“Going out to bowl, we knew the City had a strong opening four or five batsmen that we needed to get out early.
“Having Jake Ellis and BJ Cameron bowling some tight lines we did just that, finishing the day with 8 down for 80-odd runs.”
For the majority of Guyra’s young team, it is the first time they have played the two day format.
With still one day to go – this Saturday – Keen is under no illusion the game is done and dusted with his opponents full of talent and already qualified for the one day first grade grand final this season.
“Heading into day two, the team knows that it’s still anyone’s game,” he said.
“City are a quality team and will want to bounce back straight away. But if we carry that confidence from day one we’re in for a good chance.
“It’s good to see all that time being put in at training is finally paying off during the game. Fingers crossed.”
Last week’s wet weather affected the clash between Easts and Ex-Services with the first day of the game scheduled for Armidale Sportsground called off.