A new star comes to life The star of Week A had to be Cyclones batsman Sam Verigotta. The talented middle order batsman enjoyed fantastic success in both the Bannerman Shield and the Horrigan Cup. He certainly started his and the Cyclones’ season off to a bang. His first successful performance was against the Gamblers in the Bannerman Shield. While many have touted him to go on to big things, not many would have expected such a big performance so early in the season. The 1st innings brought about his maiden double century, he smashed 222 runs of only 303 balls, hitting 23 fours and 1 six. In the process of his double century he played the integral part in leading the side to a good total of 554 in the 1st innings. In the 2nd innings the Cyclones only required 189 runs to win, but when Verigotta came in again the Cyclones were at 42 for 2 and some may have been concerned that after his 1st innings heroics that he may go cheaply in his 2nd knock. However, he did not let the side down and again played the integral role in leading them to victory. This time scoring 86 runs off 112 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. Without a doubt he was the Man of the Match and the Cyclones fans and fellow players were singing his praises. In the Horrigan Cup (again playing the Gamblers) he was equally as successful. The Cyclones had been set 288 runs to win. When Verigotta came to the crease the Cyclones top order had got the score to 104 for 2 and it was the penultimate ball of the 20th over. With 184 runs still required and the required run rate already over a run a ball, Verigotta and his partner Petrucci could not afford to get settled too quickly. Thankfully for the Cyclones the two kept the score ticking over at healthy rate and were able to open up more towards the end. Both men made unbeaten centuries Petrucci made 107 runs off 102 balls and Verigotta made an even quicker 102 runs off only 86 balls. Rounding off a fantastic week for the Cyclones and Sam Verigotta. After making 1000 copies off his innings on DVD and sending them to Marcuss Deane, Alex Farnsworth and Ed Ames, I managed to catch up with the man of the moment. He had this to say... How did it feel playing two match winning innings back to back? Its definitely been the highlight of my whole career, the partnership with Peaches was crazy, and the first class game was just great. Obviously the Gamblers aren’t the most destructive of bowling line-ups but none the less we would of got hammered without that innings, and even better we managed to round it up with the win and it jetted us up to 2nd in the table. Now it’s a fight to stay up there, many people have us down rock bottom on their predictions and it’s up to the team to prove the haters wrong. Did you feel that this proved your doubters wrong and do you think we'll see more of the same? I've definitely put my name on the top shelf. But with the previously history of shunting things up we just need to hope that this doesn't drop off to inevitable mediocrity. What are your aims and goal for this season? Top HC run scorer, a couple of wickets in any format and just scoring and scoring in first class. Make sure I get more than Marcuss. Hopefully I can jump a few places in the Cyclones all time run scorers. As things stand, with GB I don't think I’ll be involved in the Rep team any time soon, so I’m not too fussed. On a team note, how do you see the Cyclones fairing this season? HC we have a real shot, with the bats that we've got, I think we'll be able to chase any and all targets set. The Cyclones will be hoping this rich vein of form can continue. Especially as they will play host to what is said to be the best bowling line-up in the competition next week.
