This season has been extremely difficult for South Dubbo, but that is something the board and players were prepared for heading into the summer.
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A number of off-season departures and the decision from other players to not have a run in 2018/19 left the club's first grade side looking short of talent.
The decision was made to blood a number of younger players.
It's made for a tough time in the RSL-Whitney Cup, the Hornets sit at the foot of the ladder without a win, but a relaxed approach in the McDonald's Megahit Twenty20 competition has brought success.
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The Castlereagh Hornets will contest the semi-final of the Megahit on Friday night, taking on the Bob Berry Blasters for the right to take on the Amaroo Hotel Tigers in the decider.
"We knew it wasn't going to be a strong first grade squad after losing a few and others choosing not to play," club president and first grade player Adam Wells said.
"We wanted to rebuild with the younger guys because we've had some success doing that in the past.
"We wanted to make it enjoyable. It's been hard in first grade with players not having that first grade experience, but players are getting that understanding."
Enjoyment has been a major part, with Wells stating the side plays its best when there is a focus on fun.
That has been something numerous players have said in recent times, with three successive RSL-Whitney Cup grand finals and one Megahit title recorded in the past three seasons proof it works.
The Megahit is again where the side has found joy this season, with the older players able to enjoy the shorter format while the younger players have been eased in with shorter spells and less time at the crease.
"It hasn't been great for Saturdays but we're a pretty good Twenty20 team," Wells said.
"Batsmen can have just that 15 or 20 balls at a high strike rate. You make a few scores of 30-odd and you're looking at a good score.
"Guys like 'Finners' (Mat Finlay), Mitch (Bower), and myself enjoy it as well. You're just out there a little while, running around in the cool."
The Hornets have beat both the Western Plains Automotive Cougars and the Rugby Liberty OneSteelers this season, while the Blasters have four wins to their name heading into the do-or-die clash.
Wells, Finlay, Corey McDean, and the returning Bower, back from a broken finger, will all be vital against the experienced Blasters but the younger figures will also be important.
Players like Jimmy Kuntze, Joey Cant, Joe Yeo, Oscar Robinson, and Hugh Ridley have all played roles this season and the former is one Wells has been particular pleased with.
"He's getting used to first grade in Dubbo, which is still a high standard for a young guy coming in," he said.
The Blasters have also featured a whole host of juniors in their Megahit side this season.
Play starts in the semi-final at 6.30pm at No. 1 Oval on Friday.
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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.
