A truncated off-season has worked a treat for City United quick Tait Jordan as he potently harmonises with the competition’s most dangerous attack, in a season that still has, one imagines, a few twists and turns to come but so far has been dominated by the resurgent boys in gold and maroon.
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About two months prior to the start of the season, Jordan began his preparation to get himself “right” for the first match. In that match, the 22-year-old claimed 1-43 off eight overs in a one-day loss to West Tamworth.
Since then both Jordan and City have found a higher gear – the former topping the bowler rankings with 18 wickets in six matches at an average of 16.72 and a strike rate of 26, and the latter winning five straight matches to comfortably lead the competition.
Jordan is in his sixth first-grade season, after coming up through the grades at City. He said he “just kept working”.
He now regards himself as a “wiser” and “more consistent” bowler. But again, it comes down to hard work.
“In the off-season I had a good break and then come the pre-season, two months before [the first match], I like to work hard and get myself right, so the first ball out here, I’m ready to go and I’m on target.”
City United captain Brad Smith said Jordan and fellow City speedsters Joey Mead (the fifth-ranked bowler this season) and Jack McVey (eighth-ranked) had all benefited from a shorter off-season.
“And it’s paying dividends,” he said. “He’s [Jordan] bowling well in all forms and is really giving our batting some extra depth. He’s really stepped up as a senior player.”
Batting generally at around No.7, Jordan has made 161 runs this season at an average of 40.25 and with a highest score of 46. His career average for all grades is 12.08.
In Tamworth’s heavy War Veterans Cup loss to Narrabri on Sunday, he top-scored with a 65-ball 57.
Smith said Jordan “brings a very level head” to the table. “He’s just enjoying his cricket,” the skipper added.
City, as a unit, are enjoying their cricket. On Saturday at Riverside 1, they will aim to extend their winning sequence to six matches, in a Twenty20 clash against Bective East.
After last season making the finals for the first time in a long time, they are playing with, as the French would say, joie de vivre.
Jordan said: “If you stick with the club and you have a good time [then] the rewards pay dividends in the end.”
