A SURPRISE first-round loss has sharpened the focus of every Toronto Workers player as they prepare to take on Belmont this Saturday.
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Club captain and first grade wicket-keeper Jeremy Ford said the team’s three-wicket loss to Newcastle City was tough to cop.
“We were nowhere near up to our usual standard on Saturday,” Ford said.
The Kookaburras had produced some excellent trial match form against strong opposition – including Sydney grade teams – so expectations were understandably high leading into the opening round of the Newcastle District Cricket Association season at Ron Hill Oval.
But the Kookaburras failed to deliver on that promise, scoring just 143, then watching the visitors reach the target for the loss of seven wickets but with more than 10 overs to spare.
Ford wonders whether over-confidence might have brought the Kookaburras undone.
“Maybe we went into the game thinking that we had it won,” he said.
Newcastle City won the toss and asked Toronto to bat on an overcast morning.
That decision was quickly vindicated as the Newcastle City seamers made early inroads, reducing Toronto to 6-43.
Captain Andrew Jeffrey and 18-year-old all-rounder Joshua Westwood then set about rebuilding the innings.
“Credit to Josh and Andrew. Their partnership really saved us,” Ford said.
“Without that partnership we might have struggled to make three figures.”
Jeffrey (26) and Westwood (38) combined to put on 59 for the seventh wicket.
Westwood employed a tight defence with occasional power shots to keep the scoreboard ticking over. One lofted drive down the ground sailed over the protective fencing and into the creek.
Newcastle City bowler Isaac Smith proved difficult for the Toronto batsman to handle.
Smith claimed 4-19 from 7.5 overs of medium-pacers, bowling three of his victims.
Ford said the pressure Smith applied was impressive.
“He came on and bowled some really nice areas.”
Toronto had plenty to work on, but had taken their medicine, and were sure to be better prepared this Saturday, Ford said.
Round 2 has been declared the Robert Holland OAM Round, in memory of Toronto’s greatest player, clubman and life member, who passed away last month.
It is an initiative of the Toronto club which has been endorsed by the NDCA committee.
From this Saturday, all Toronto teams will wear “Dutchy” arm bands.
Toronto has invited other clubs to wear the arm bands and to observe a minute’s silence before play this Saturday.
