Dubbo was handed a convincing five-wicket loss by Mudgee in the opening round of the new-look competition.

Featuring a large number of centres from around the region, the Dubbo and District Cricket Association entered a development side in the knockout competition while its top team plays in the Western Zone Premier League.

But the youthful Plate side won’t feature again this season after being rolled for just 81 at Mudgee’s Victoria Park.

“It was really disappointing,” Knaggs said.

“I think the pitch played a big role in it. Being a Mudgee pitch there was a lot more bounce and seam than we’re used to in Dubbo and that didn’t help our batsmen who are used to getting forward on the front foot.”

The writing was on the wall early after Knaggs won the toss and elected to bat with Angus Norton (0) departing on just the second ball.

Things didn’t get much better from there, three other Dubbo batsman scored ducks, while the captain top-scored with just 24.

“It was disappointing to lose because it was a knockout game and there was a few loose shots in there at times when we didn’t need them,” Knaggs said.

Mudgee reached the total with relative ease, Donald Hearn (36) and Michael Dowell (26) setting things up by adding 53 for the first wicket.

Dale O’Donnell worked hard with the ball and was Dubbo’s best, taking 2/16 from eight overs.

“There’s plenty of young guys coming up in Dubbo now and I think in the next few years we’ll be stronger in competitions like this,” Knaggs said.

“You get a lot of experience in these games. Playing in different towns and on different pitches.”

While his side was up against it when going out to bowl with just 81 on the board, Knaggs was pleased to see Dubbo show plenty of fight.

There was a number of half-chances early but Hearn and Dowell worked hard before the runs came more easy.

Some quick wickets late gave Dubbo the slightest glimmer of hope but the hosts were always firmly in control and reached the target in the 27th over.

“I think we bowled very well. We got used to the pitch and the ball got through well and we showed good fight,” Knaggs said.

“If we’d got another 20 runs I think we nearly would have had them.”

While Hearn and Dowton did a job with the bat for Mudgee, it was the bowlers who set up the win when making the most of a pitch which offered plenty for those who put it in the right spot.

Opening quick Cody Lawson starred with 3/27 early on before captain Andrew Best ripped through the middle and lower order on his way to finishing with 4/14 from five overs.

Mudgee will now play Blue Mountains in the next round and while disappointed not be going any further, Dubbo’s Knaggs said he was enjoying the “privilege” of being a teenage captain at both a club and representative level this season.