But on Tuesday, the second day of the 2018 Bradman Cup, Western chalked up a second win from as many starts on the back of some clutch bowling from Ben Mitchell against an ACT Southern outfit regarded as one of the strongest at the NSW Country Cricket under 16s championship.

Chasing Western’s all-out total of 204, ACT Southern progressed to 6-154 with 10 overs remaining and two relatively set batsmen at the crease.

Looking for a wicket, Western brought opening bowler Ben Mitchell back into the attack and the move paid immediate dividends.

Mitchell removed dangerman Tom Phelps after the ACT Southern gun hit a quick-fire 30 coming in at No.7, then tore through the tail to finish the game with 4-25 and lead Western to a memorable 10-run victory at Watson Oval, at All Saints College.

ACT Southern looked in the box seat with Aiden Cowie firing in the final overs, but Mitchell removed him and conceded just two runs in the same over to stack a tonne of pressure on the visiting ACT side.

Bailey Brien (2-15) and Dubbo’s Ben Wheeler (2-30) were Western’s other major wicket-takers to help bowl out ACT Southern for 194.

Wheeler claimed two early wickets and at one stage had 2/1 from just one over.

In Western’s innings, Larance again fired for the hosts with 47 off 33 balls before falling to ACT Southern bowler Hugo Ideka (1-40).

Larance top scored, and showed all his trademark aggressiveness.

The Australian under 16s representative, also Western’s captain at Bathurst, smashed six fours and a six during his knock.

While Larance fired, Mitchell began a fine all-round outing with 45 in Western’s middle order.

Brien (26) and a late 37-run 10^th wicket stand between Jake Settree (21no) and Ryan Dunn (17) helped lift their side to a respectable total.

Settree and Larance are joined in the side by Dubbo CYMS teammates Connor Watts and Lachie Endacott.

RSL-Colts spinner Mitch Ashford and Rugby’s Wheeler round out the Dubbo contingent.

Abdullah Herron was ACT Southern’s best with the ball, taking 3-33.

Western takes on Illawarra on day three at the Scots School, a place in the final one the line.

The Trent Hemsworth-coached Western side will start as heavy favourites for that match as Illawarra were without a win after the opening two days.

After losing to ACT Southern on day one, Illawarra was beaten by Riverina on Tuesday.

Central Coast is undefeated in Pool 2.