Dubbo captain Angus Norton wants his players to use this weekend as a chance to secure a spot in the squad for the looming finals.
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A win at Nyngan on Sunday will see a home grand final secured and while the Dubbo side has produced a number of strong performances this season, Norton wants to see individual players stand up.
A victory would ensure both Dubbo’s Western Zone Premier League and Brewery Shield teams host finals this season.
“It’s the last chance for a few players who are looking to cement their spot in the top order to put a score on the board,” Norton said of the trip to Nyngan.
“It’s also an opportunity for a few fringe Premier League players to make their case for selection in the home Premier League final.”
Nyngan has battled during this season but always perform strongly when at home at the Snakepit, and a test is just what Norton wants for his side.
The batting in particular is one area which needs to improve, according to the skipper. The failure to put on a dominant total consistently is something which has been a point of focus.
“Only Tom Barber has made a Brewery Shield 50 this summer, so everyone else is on notice,” Norton said.
“It is also the same for the bowlers, with no bowler taking a five wicket hall this summer in our team. Places are up for grabs.
“I'd like to challenge all the players selected to be the one to make the extra effort and to dig that little bit deeper to help us get over the line."
Norton, Jacob Hill, Ben Wheeler, Barber, and Jake Settree provide the bulk of the batting power, while the likes of Bailey Edmunds can provide some spark as well.
Hill and Wheeler have been standouts for Rugby this season and both are capable of scoring at an impressive strikerate.
Edmunds and Hill will also be vital with the ball, as will Lachlan Rayner and Mitch Lincoln in a four-pronged pace attack.
The variety will be headed up by RSL-Colts youngtser Mitch Ashford, whose spin bowling has come on in leaps and bounds this summer.
The chance to secure a home final isn’t the only motivating factor for the side on Sunday. For many of the players this could be their last season in the Brewery Shield before stepping up and becoming key members of the Premier League side.
“We want to make the most of it before we move on to Premier League cricket,” Norton added.
Sunday’s match starts at 10am.
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.
