DUBBO captain Tim Cox admits it was difficult to pick a representative side mid-way through the first round of the Whitney Cup but says he is happy with the 12-man squad selected to face Cowra in the first round of the Western Premier League competition tomorrow.
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Cox will lead a side missing some familiar names but one that features some new and returning players, including Colts duo Paul Hulthen and Jon Kilby, Souths opener Asher Robins and Macquarie young gun Angus Cusack.
"Thankfully for us the batsmen we had earmarked from watching them at training got among the runs last week, so that was a good start," Cox said.
"It's not easy because not everybody has had a chance to perform under proper match conditions but we think we've got a very strong squad assembled, and we'll need to because Cowra are very serious about their representative cricket this season.
"Also, with the new format of having two pools this season you only get two games then you're into the final so you can't really afford to drop a game at all."
After spending last season playing rep cricket for Narromine, Rugby's Jordan Moran returns to the fold in 2014-15 and will assume the wicketkeeping duties as well as bat at number four.
Cox outlined his plans with both bat and ball but admitted he was unsure what to expect from the No.2 Oval wicket.
"We've got three spinning options, and importantly three different spinning options, as well as myself, Ben Patterson and Jon Kilby to carry the load pace-wise," Cox said.
"As for our batting we've got a good mix of right and left-handers, and Asher Robins and Mitch Bower will open with Jordan at three, followed by Paul Hulthen who scored an unbeaten 50-odd for Colts last week.
"Chris Morton will bat at five and then we'll be versatile depending on the situation, with either Ryan Medley or Mat Skinner to come in at six.
"If we're in that power play period or we're just looking for quick runs then we have Mat coming off a ton last week, but if it's someone to just keep the innings ticking along then Ryan is suited to that style of game."
Cowra skipper Michael Curtale has been identified as the major danger to Dubbo, with the youngster coming off a hard-hitting innings at a Western Zone trial recently.
"Mick is their main guy with the bat and having him back is a massive boost for Cowra," Cox said.
"With the ball, young Jacob McNaught is a real talent so we have to be on our game. In the past Cowra have lagged a bit with their rep stuff but they've been training hard for a couple of months so they'll be ready for this game."
o DUBBO: Tim Cox (c), Mitch Bower, Ryan Medley, Jon Kilby, Angus Cusack, Paul Hulthen, Jordan Moran, Chris Morton, Ben Patterson, Asher Robins, Mat Skinner, Stuart Naden.
