Budding Bulls star aiming to have Grace under fire

RISING Bannockburn star

Lachie Osborne says it’s a “bit surprising” to be the top-ranked bowler in GCA3, but admits it’s “pretty cool”.

Graduating through the Bulls junior ranks and into the first XI on a permanent basis this season, the leg-spinner has taken seven wickets through two games at an average of six, including a stunning 5-6 against Manifold Heights last time out.

Now, Osborne (pictured) is looking forward to doing battle with one of the premier bats of the competition on Saturday, Corio’s Anthony Grace.

The Devils stalwart is flying again this season and will take on Osborne fresh from smashing an unbeaten 121 in a close loss to Bell Park last round.

“It’s always good to bowl and play against the best players, so it’ll be a good challenge,” Osborne said. “I’ve heard a lot about him, never played against him, so looking forward to it.”

Having hit 5909 runs for Corio at an average of 37.16 across all forms of cricket, Grace has consistently been one of the top bats in the GCA.

And he said he and his side wouldn’t change too much in how they approached their innings coming up against Osborne.

“Probably just play our natural game, because if everyone plays our natural game we know that we’re capable of winning games,” Grace said. “Just as long as we all play our part for the team, we know that we should come away with a win. It’s just all about putting it all together.”

After making last season’s GCA3 grand final, Corio finds itself last on the ladder with an 0-2 record, while Bannockburn sits second following wins over reigning premier

St Albans Breakwater and Manifold Heights.

Grace said his side had taken confidence from a one-wicket loss to premiership favourite Bell Park.

“Disappointed that we lost a close one, which just got away from us, but definitely happy with the improvement from the first game against a good side like Bell Park,” he said.

Osborne said belief was also high in the Bulls camp after a top start to the campaign.

“It’s only early in the season but it’s always good to beat and play against the good sides,” he said.