CYMS’ RSL-Whitney Cup finals credentials go under the microscope on Saturday when it faces South Dubbo without a number of regulars.
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The Cougars’ resurgence has been one of the highlights of the season so far, with the side producing one of its best performances last week when scoring a bonus point in a convincing eight wicket win over Rugby.
But Ryan Medley’s third-placed side faces a challenge at No. 1 Oval on Saturday when it takes on Souths, who sit ahead of the Cougars only on percentages.
Ben Strachan, one of the competition’s leading new-ball bowlers, will be missing and that in itself is a huge blow after he also made a powerful 91 last week. As well as that, Ben O’Donnell, Dave McAlister, Nick Guthrie and teenage wicketkeeper Ben Cook will also be missing.
Souths also has a changing lineup with Henry Railz, Mat Finlay and Mark O’Donnell all out but Greg Rummans, Adam Wells and Jack Busch, who all missed last week’s win over Newtown, return.
Souths’ captain Mitch Bower is again the key wicket for CYMS and he will be keen to spend some time in the middle having only passed 50 once for the Hornets this season.
CYMS will welcome back opening bowler Ben Knaggs and younger brother Sam on Saturday while Callan Braithwaite also returns.
It will also be an exciting day for Cougars junior Tom Coady, who will make his RSL-Whitney Cup debut for the club. Coady, fresh from playing with the Western Zone under-14s Kookaburra Cup side this week, is one of the more promising wicketkeepers in the region and will keep on Saturday.
