SOMETIMES you simply have to keep at it.
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Wauchope RSL opening batsman Nathan Lyon is a case in point after a scintillating season with the bat that yielded an impressive 546 runs at an average of a tick under 50 (49.6).
But when you wind the clock back 12 months, Lyon was the cause of plenty of frustration for both his captain as well as himself during a season that didn't see him go past 50 once.
"I know you speak to a couple of the boys and they will tell you I'm the King of getting starts," Lyon said.
"I couldn't tell you the amount of times I'd get to 20 and 30 and would play a ridiculous shot or run myself out.
"I found ways to get out whereas this year I've felt much more relaxed at the crease and been able to build an innings and build on a start."
The result was a season that saw him score three centuries - the last two in a row - and five half-centuries.
All it took was a move out of executive roles within the Hastings River District Cricket Association and within his club that provided him with the clearer mindset.
"I've given a bit more focus to my playing time than being involved in the admin of the game and that has been a big change for me," he said.
I found ways to get out whereas this year I've felt much more relaxed at the crease and been able to build an innings and build on a start.
- Nathan Lyon
"I've felt so much freer going into games of a weekend and being able to contribute."
After accepting a role within Cricket NSW, Lyon first moved to Newcastle and then Tamworth.
While it has provided some challenges, it has also provided him with a different perspective.
"It's refreshing to get a taste of a different area, but also to be able to come back and contribute to success back here has been good," he said.
"It's not ideal, but not being able to train during the week and having to do my own stuff has made it easier.
"You're not having to clutter your head with cricket all week, you get home Saturday and it's all a bit of a release to be able to play and enjoy a bit of a game."
Lyon knows he will be the key scalp when Wauchope clash with Wingham on Saturday for a spot in the grand final.
"No doubt I'll have a target on my back; you can't be the leading run scorer and not have teams want your wicket," he said.
RSL haven't forgotten about the last time the two teams met a month ago when they were on the receiving end of a Michael Rees masterclass.
No doubt I'll have a target on my back; you can't be the leading run scorer and not have teams want your wicket.
- Nathan Lyon
"They gave us an absolute touch-up going back a month at Wauchope," Loyn said.
"The key is Michael Rees, if you can get him out relatively cheap you go a long way to winning the game."
In the last fixture, Wingham chased down 117 in the 11th over on the back of an unbeaten 96 from Rees.
"The fortunes have changed since then," Lyon said.
"They haven't won a game and we've won three on the bounce, so we head in with the momentum, but his wicket is the key.
"If we can limit his impact with bat in hand we go a really long way to winning the game."
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