Dubbo’s answer to the Big Bash returns on Friday night with a huge double-header at Victoria Park No 1 Oval.
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The McDonalds Megahit Twenty20 competition’s round three gets underway with the fourth-placed Castlereagh Hornets taking on the third-placed Rugby Liberty OneSteelers, before the top-of the table Bob Berry Blasters face the second-placed Amaroo Hotel Tigers.
It’s a line-up organisers couldn’t have planned better if they’d tried.
“Hopefully we can draw a bit of a crowd … it’s just a good atmosphere,” Tigers skipper Mat Skinner said.
“Watch some sixes being hit and wickets being taken and lots of local talent on display, and also you can get the chance to win one or two hundred dollars for the crowd catch if you’re there.”
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“It should be two very good games, I’m looking forward to it,” Blasters captain Marty Jeffrey said.
The top of the table clash will see an under-strength Tigers outfit, with “danger man” Ben Patterson out with representative duties.
But Jeffrey was not underestimating them.
“They are a very good short format team so the less over they’re playing, the better they are,” he said.
“They’ve got a lot of players who can turn the game on its head, they’ve got a lot of players who can score prettu quick.
“Dan Holland is the one there, he can change the game with bat and ball and if we can get him early it’ll increase our chances as well.”
“We are missing a few players so hopefully a few other blokes can step up and get the win for us,” Skinner said.
Just four points separate first and last in the night-time competition, with only three rounds remaining before finals.
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And with one game already washed out before Christmas, there’s all to play for.
“Friday is going to be a big game come finals time,” Skinner added.
“Especially because there’s been a washout already and there could be another one, so getting what wins you can will be very handy.”
“This is sort of the turning point,” Jeffrey said.
“When you can win a game early in the New Year it can kick start things, but the reverse is also true.
“You can lose games and then things can do downhill quickly.”
Friday’s double-header at Victoria Park No 1 Oval, where there’ll be barbecue and catered bar, starts at 5.30pm.
