ON paper defending Whitney Cup premiers RSL-Colts have the perfect round one fixture against a CYMS side that has claimed the competition's past two wooden-spoons.
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But Colts skipper Chris Morton knows his side will have to be focused from the very first ball at No. 1 on Saturday with positive signs coming from the Cougars camp.
Ryan Medley has taken over from Ben O'Donnell as captain while CYMS have also been boosted by the news star representative all-rounder Ben Strachan will be in Dubbo all summer.
"I think it's one of those seasons where every team has three or four players who, if they fire, can beat anyone on their day so you can't go half-hearted into any game," Morton said.
"I think 'Meds' being captain will be good for them and for Benny (O'Donnell) and having 'Strachany' all year will give them a boost too."
Morton said his side had been training well in pre-season but the defending premiers come into the first match of the season with Tim Cox unavailable while Greg Buckley is still at home in England with his visa issues ongoing.
While those two key players are missing, it gives newcomers Ed Morrish and Marty Jeffrey the chance to shine on debut.
Morton has been hugely impressed by former Orange player Morrish at training with the big left-arm quick sending down "thunderbolts" in the nets, according to his skipper.
Teenager Jeffrey has made the move across from Newtown and looks set to open the batting with last season's top runscorer Paul Hulthen while his leg spin will also feature in the Colts attack.
"He'll open the batting or bat three all season, all two-day cricket will help him," Morton said of Jeffrey.
"He's been bowling well in the nets and batting really well too so the sky's the limit for him."
CYMS come into the match with key batsmen Harry Brennan out, with the attacking left-hander not expected to play until roughly midway through the season due to a knee injury suffered during soccer season. Medley and Stuart Naden will again be the key batsmen with the likes of Matt Ellis, O'Donnell and youngster Callan Braithwaite to also contribute.
The first few round of the competition shape as tricky ones for Colts this season with a number of players set to miss matches for personal reasons like weddings and holidays while everyone is unsure of when star off-spinning all-rounder Buckley will return.
It was a similar story last year when the men in red began the season slowly but they then went on a run of 11 games unbeaten, culminating in grand final glory.
"We've still got a very strong team and we're not expecting to lose because we're confident in our ability," Morton said.
"We don't aim for anything less than making the finals."
Day one of Colts and CYMS starts at 1pm at No. 1 Oval.