Dubbo captain Mitch Bower says he “just wants everyone to have some fun” when playing representative cricket this season but don’t let that relaxed approach fool you.
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Dubbo is gunning for success in this season’s Western Zone Premier League and players head to Parkes on Sunday for a round-three clash.
A convincing opening round win over Bathurst was followed by a washout with Orange.
While the WZPL was on hiatus last season, Dubbo lost the previous season’s grand final to Bathurst but Bower said that’s not extra motivation this season – his side was already targeting success.
“We had a chat after the last game and said we want to step up and give it a real crack this season,” he said.
“If we keep winning we’ll be there at the top at the end of the five rounds.
“The way they (Bathurst) won it last time was not us as we had a lot of players out in the final so it (winning) is something I particularly want to do this season I know a few others are the same.
“But it doesn’t give us any extra motivation. The goal was always to win it.”
A firm rivalry has developed between Dubbo and Parkes in recent years and Bower expects that to be on full display again at Woodward Oval on Sunday.
The two sides didn’t clash last season but still know each others games very well.
“There’s a bit of a rivalry there and it’s good. They step up whenever they play us so we’ll have to do that to them too,” he said, before speaking about Parkes danger and opening bat, Anthony Heraghty.
“‘Rabs’ can take a game away from you so we’ll be looking to restrict him early on and take away those big shots.”
While the bulk of the Dubbo side is a core group which has been there for a number of seasons, the team has been boosted this summer by the return of Ben Patterson, the inclusion of English spinner Darrell Williams a number of rising stars.
Australian under 16s representative Brock Larance will make his senior debut for Dubbo on Sunday while Thomas Nelson will feature in the middle order and fellow teen Henry Railz offers a threat with both bat and ball.
“We’ve got a good side and some really good depth,” Bower added.
Having so much talent and experience at his disposal means Bower doesn’t have to tell his players what to do too often.
The skipper said his main job is to bring his side together so the players are ready to work as a unit as soon as they step onto the field.
“We just want everyone to have a bit of fun and enjoy themselves,” he said.
“When we all come together like that we seem to do pretty well.”
Play starts 10am.
Dubbo: Mitch Bower (c), Jordan Moran, Jordan Peacock, Benny Semmler, Marty Jeffrey, Will Lindsay, Ben Patterson, Thomas Nelson, Henry Railz, Darrell Williams, Bailey Edmunds, Tom Atlee
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
