HE was once one of the CYMS Cougars' favourite sons but Ian Redpath returns to the Whitney Cup today going up against his old team as he debuts for Newtown.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Redpath represented Dubbo, Macquarie and the Western Zone during his time with the Cougars before leaving at the end of the 2011-12 season but he returns to Dubbo in a Newtown jersey to boost a team already dominating this season's Whitney Cup.
The Tigers sit more than 20 points clear at the top of the table after three wins in the opening three rounds and meet CYMS today in the first of this season's one-day matches.
With the likes of Mat and Steve Skinner, Wayne Dunlop and Dan Holland already making big runs this season Redpath's inclusion makes the Tigers even more formidable.
"He's a huge asset to us, we're already batting well but to throw him in just tops it off," Newtown captain Mat Skinner said.
"He might not be able to play every weekend because he wants to spend some time with his family ahead of cricket but it's massive for us."
CYMS captain Ben O'Donnell admitted it would be hard seeing a former teammate in opposition colours but added it was good to see Redpath in a team which hadn't had success in recent years.
"It's spreads the load and the talent a bit, at least he helps them a bit where he could have gone to Rugby or Colts, teams who probably don't need him as much," he said.
The Cougars have been far more competitive this year and sit fourth on the ladder after defeating Souths in week two and O'Donnell confessed the game was much more fun with his side mixing with the best in the competition.
"We're not far off making it all click, it can't be too far away but we're more disciplined this season and I enjoy being a lot more competitive," he said.
The skipper said his side will have to take any half chance today in order to hand the Tigers their first defeat, with dropped catches harming their chances in recent weeks.
The Cougars are boosted by the availability of former captain and opening bowling Ben Strachan while Ryan Medley is also available, giving O'Donnell arguably his strongest side this season.
Today's match begins at 1pm at No. 2 Oval.