Dubbo wicketkeeper Jason Ryan believes Bathurst will provide his side with a stiff test as it tries to qualify for the final of the Western Premier League.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Parkes awaits the winner of Sunday’s rescheduled clash at Bathurst and while Dubbo, with six Western Zone representatives in the squad, will go into the match as favourites, a questionable wicket combined with an improvement in the depth of Bathurst cricket has Ryan wary.
“Bathurst and Orange have struggled a bit in the past couple of years, probably since they split their club competitions back to the individual cities,” Ryan said.
“But slowly they seem to be getting it together and Bathurst are looking pretty strong.
“Jameel Qureshi is back in town and he is a quality batsman, and they also have Josh Toole who is young but talented and also part of the Western Zone group.
“They had a pretty strong side assembled for last time I think so they will be keen to get a win over us.”
Dubbo last clashed with Parkes in the SCG Cup prior to Christmas, with Parkes coming out on top in that particular match.
That result stung Dubbo and Ryan admits the side is motivated by the chance to get another crack at a side which has been a healthy rival in recent seasons.
“Our boys poured a lot of time and energy into the SCG Cup campaign so to lose to Parkes was pretty disappointing,” Ryan said.
“We’ve got to get past Bathurst first but if we do the prize will be another shot at Parkes so there is plenty to play for.
“For a few of us from both teams we have the Country Championships final coming up the following week so it is a chance for guys to spend some time in the middle and have a hit before we go to Wollongong.”
DUBBO
Tim Cox (c), Jordan Moran, Jason Ryan, Mat Skinner, Kieran Brien, Ben Strachan, Jason Green, Declan Hoare, Matt Saul, Dan Medway, Chris Morton, Ian Redpath