HE ARRIVED at the club in pre-season with plenty of fanfare and James Crosthwaite is now delivering.
Fresh from his swashbuckling 91 against Western Suburbs in round five, the opening batsman went even better last Saturday, belting his maiden century in Waratahs colours.
The 28-year-old was eventually dismissed for 131 from 173 balls, cracking 16 boundaries and four sixes.
Yesterday Crosthwaite told the Manly Daily it was all about patience.
“It was a good toss to win and bat on, but the ball was doing a bit early,’’ he said.
“Eventually it flattened out and I backed myself.
“I was happy to hit my first hundred for Manly. It is a big monkey off my back.”
Crosthwaite was well supported by Cameron Merchant, who finished unbeaten on 88 and opening bowler Jimmy Munting, who cracked an entertaining 54.
“‘Munter’ is a genuine allrounder – he found the boundary with ease,’’ Crosthwaite said.
“‘Napper’ (Merchant) was all class. He hung around at the end when we needed a cool head.
“I think his partnership late in the day with young Ryan Farrell (24) could prove to be the difference.”
With former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin set to open the batting on day two for the visitors, Manly will not be getting ahead of themselves.
On his day, the 38-year-old is capable of changing a game in a session.
“Bowling at Brad this Saturday will be great. He won’t die wondering,’’ Crosthwaite said.
“It is a good challenge for our quicks and no doubt they will respond well.
{loadposition cricket}
