Tom Atlee admits to having some nerves in the lead-up to the NSW Country Cricket Championship but the RSL-Colts tearaway is also eager to contribute to the Western Zone cause.
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Atlee is one of eight new faces in the Zone side, which starts it’s Country Championship campaign on Friday when it takes on North Coastal at Inverell.
The red-headed Atlee will form part of a imposing bowling lineup which features fellow genuine quick Ben Patterson, as well as experienced seamers Matt Stephen, Jackson Coote, and Darryl Kennewell.
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“I’ve heard it’s a pretty good standard there but it’s going to be good against different blokes from different places,” Atlee said.
“I’m feeling alright and feel like I’ve been playing alright … I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
One of the quickest bowlers getting around Dubbo for a few seasons now, Atlee has gone up another level this summer.
He’s sparked plenty of conversation within the local cricket community regarding his pace but Atlee isn’t setting any huge targets heading into the carnival at Inverell.
“I’m not too sure what my role will be but I’m looking forward to contributing with the ball,” he said.
“We’ve got a pretty well-stocked attack with a few blokes who could open and then there’s some who can come on and dot it up through the middle.”
Western has a proud record at country level in recent seasons, having proved themselves one of the bush’s powerhouse regions after numerous title wins and grand final appearances.
That history isn’t lost on the new faces in the squad and Atlee is eager to take his chance.
“It’s really good. I’ve played for Western in the junior ranks and now it’s great to get a gig in the open side,” he said.
Maintaining Western’s position as one of the strongest sides in the bush is the goal heading to Inverell.
South Dubbo’s Mitch Bower has taken on the captaincy and is one of the most experienced campaigners in the side while Bathurst’s Stepehn is the new vice-captain.
It marks another step up for Stephen who has cemented his spot as the Zone’s premier opening bowler in recent seasons.
“There’s been a lot of work that’s gone into getting Western up to this level,” Stephen said.
“A lot of people don’t see what goes on behind the scenes. We’ve lost some experienced players this year like Jordan Moran and Will Lindsay. They’ve been campaigners for years.
“Then again there’s young blokes coming through who are looking to impress as they start their adult representative careers.”
Play starts 10am, Friday.
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.
