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TROY Osborne hit his first century of the Tamworth first grade season to set up a big win for South’s over Wests, who couldn’t contain the opening batsmen.
Osborne was finding gaps in the field all day, and displayed some brilliant running between the wickets, along with captain Nick Leyden, who put on 71.
The pair put on a second wicket stand of 187 taking full advantage of some poor bowling from West Tamworth.
The final total of 249 included 42 sundries, 26 of which were wides.
“Leydo made it easy for me,” Osborne said.
“He was turning the strike over well for me and running hard between wickets.”
The opener has not put on any big scores this season but hopes he can go on with it into the finals.
“I have been struggling for runs this year and a bit scratchy until today,” Osborne said. “It was nice to be able to stay out there for a while and put runs on.
“Although I was dropped a couple of times.”
Osborne brought his ton up with a huge six over mid on, although claims he didn’t know what score he was on at the time.
“The boys went up and I didn’t know if it was for the six or what.”
“I did get a couple out of the middle.”
Osborne is the brother of Australian star Erin Osborne who was in the stand watching her brother triumph.
“It was nice to turn the tables and have her watching me do something for a change,” Osborne said.
Erin is in town having some down time after the Ashes, before returning to the NSW Breakers next week for the upcoming WNCL final against Victoria.
It was the opening bats biggest score since returning to his boyhood club Souths, two years ago.
Osborne was travelling the world as a goalkeeper, playing seasons in the US and Philippines, until returning to Tamworth.
Last year he won a premiership with Tamworth FC, and will be tending goals again there this year.
“I am finished travelling around and doing that sort of thing.”
“I am too old for that,” said the 24 year old.
Osborne would like to add the TDCA title to his trophy cabinet to sit with the NIPL title he won last year.
“I think our bowling attack alone can win us the final,” Osborne said.
“We have a got a good batting line up as well though.
“Old Boys is a big challenge but we are playing well at the moment.”
“Hopefully I can score some more runs.”
The TDCA one day final will be played under lights on Friday March 7 at No 1 Oval.