The threat of rain looms large over this weekend's fourth round of the Western Zone Premier League but Dubbo captain Mat Skinner is firmly focused on the continual development of his side.
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Skinner and his side to Parkes on Sunday knowing a win will guarantee a spot in the top two alongside Bathurst and passage to the grand final.
There is some doubt around the fixture as a heavy downpour on Thursday night saw the covers blown off the Woodward Oval pitch and there's the strong chance of more rain on the weekend.
That's not creeping into the game plan though, as the focus is building on a strong victory at Orange last time out.
Some of the side's younger players, namely Charlie Kempston, starred in that match and he's one of a number of newcomers who has developed into a vital figure as the campaign has gone on.
"We've had real consistency in the side all season," Skinner said.
"It was a bit hard after we lost a lot of blokes, people like Mitch Bower, but we're settled and I think the redevelopment is over.
"This is what we are and we're getting a consistent team and people putting their hand up.
"Hopefully we can get a couple more wins and Bathurst drops one and then we get the home grand final."
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While none of the players in the new-look side were strangers to each other this season, learning to play alongside someone you've played against for so long takes time.
You build that mateship in the change-room and talk crap with each other and get to know the game plans.
- Mat Skinner
That's something Skinner has been well aware of and he's seen the bonds between his players grow across the representative season.
"You can play against a bloke but it's not quite the same feeling as when you're playing with them," the skipper said.
"You build that mateship in the change-room and talk crap with each other and get to know the game plans."
Nathan Jones and Tom Coady are unavailable for Sunday's game, the latter again playing in Sydney with Eastern Suburbs, but Brock Larance returns to the lineup.
He will form part of a powerful top order, alongside Jacob Hill and Charlie Kempston, that is key to Dubbo's success.
"The top order scoring runs, that's the most important for us," Skinner said.
"We've shown glimpses but then we lose a few wickets so building those partnerships and scoring is the key.
"Our bowling unit has been doing a good job."
The main threat on Sunday is a familiar face for those in the Dubbo side.
Western Zone all-rounder Myles Smith has featured in the Dubbo competition for Macquarie this season and has shone with both bat and ball while Skinner also pointed to new-ball bowler Brent Tucker as another his side must be wary of.
The action starts at 10am on Sunday.
- DUBBO: Mat Skinner (c), Jacob Hill, Charlie Kempston, Roland O'Connor, Brock Larance, Thomas Nelson, Angus Norton, Jakke Gardiner, Ben Knaggs, Lee Price, Bailey Edmunds.
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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.
