This week's Cricket NSW State Challenge may not have ended the way anyone involved wanted, but there's still been high praise for the carnival and pathways on offer for up-and-coming players.
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After three evenly-contested days of play the stage was set for a memorable grand final day.
However, both the under 13s and the under 14s deciders were abandoned mid-match due to the dust storm which engulfed Dubbo for the best part of 12 hours on Thursday.
Cricket NSW senior pathways manager Mark Cameron had nothing but praise for the work Dubbo Regional Council did in preparing the grounds and he was also impressed by the quality of play on show during the week.
The biggest thing he was excited by though was the opportunities now in front of the state's junior cricketers.
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The State Challenge has gone from strength-to-strength since it was first held in Dubbo in 2015 while the formation of the Cricket NSW Youth Championships this season offered cricketers from all over another chance to be noticed.
"I'm going to honest, I don't think there's a better time to be a young male or female cricketer," Cameron said.
"The opportunities they get ... if you play good cricket you'll get recognised and rewarded.
"There's so many more opportunities and that's fantastic."
Cameron is someone well-placed to comment on the pathways program and not only because he's involved through his role with Cricket NSW.
Cameron was a hugely exciting fast bowler as a youngster and went on to play for NSW, only to have his career cut short by back injuries.
Looking back on his time as a junior, Cameron said the chances on offer now couldn't compare to what he saw.
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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.
