I can see clearly now, my game is strong: Coughlan's vision of success

WITH BALL, THEN BAT: Joey Coughlan at Loco Oval on Saturday after his incredible performance against Bathurst City Colts.

A visit to the optometrist two years ago has paved the way for one the all-time Bathurst Orange Inter-District Cricket (BOIDC) individual performances.

Orange CYMS all-rounder Joey Coughlan stole the headlines during his side's dominant first day against Bathurst City Colts at Loco Oval on Saturday, 27 January.

After taking 5-5 to help dismiss the hosts for 133, Coughlan then proceeded to whack 137 not out off just 92 balls, including 17 fours and six sixes, to steer CYMS to a stumps total of 2-204 and first innings points.

It continues a standout second season in green and gold for the former Bathurst City player who said he had a new lease of life out in the middle after injury forced him to take a break.

"I got glasses when I was injured [in 2022]," he told the Central Western Daily.

"It wasn't until I had a bit of free time on my hands when I actually went and got an eye test and found out I had astigmatism and needed glasses.

"So I'm literally seeing the ball better. I can see the seam now, I don't ever remember being able to see the seam."

CYMS is in a strong position to push for an outright victory after Coughlan's performance and five wickets for opening bowler Mac Webster.

Coughlan said the team - runners-up in 202-23 - had learned from the last campaign.

"It's a little bit different to last year," he said.

"We went through the whole season undefeated and I think there's been a couple of losses that have given us a bit of a reality check. It's not gonna be like that this year.

"We know we're gonna play finals, but we need to make sure we're playing our best cricket then."