It's been a long time since a CYMS RSL-Whitney Cup side featured in any type of grand final so current Cougars captain Ben Knaggs is eager to make the most of the opportunity on Sunday.
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CYMS face Macquarie in the rescheduled limited over decider at No. 2 Oval.
This marks the first season the Dubbo District Cricket Association has rewarded one-day form with the chance to earn silverware after the original date was washed out earlier in the month, the two top sides will do battle on Sunday.
It's been roughly two decades since a CYMS first grade side played a grand final
"It's a different one and we're treating it as any other game but we're proud to be a part of it," Knaggs said.
"It's the first grand final for a long time but everyone is looking forward to it and it's going to be a good game."
Both sides go into the match missing troops but it's Macquarie who have been made to do the most reshuffling.
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Ben Strachan was suspended at judiciary midweek after he questioned umpire Peter Singh's decision when giving him out last weekend and will miss the match while leading all-rounder Daniel Medway is away and key batsman Jason Green isn't risking doing any more damage to a bone spur issue in his foot and will sit the game out.
Knaggs has a slight headache of his own opening bowler Ben O'Donnell has also gone away and will miss both Saturday's opening day against Newtown and the one-day decider.
"We'll miss that line and length. He uses the new ball so well," Knaggs said.
"He's very economical and we'll miss that lower order batting to. He might not like what he's done this season but we know what he can do.
"But we've got players who can always step up and there's other who can do the role."
CYMS head into the decider having scored a breakthrough win over the Blues last weekend.
It's the first grand final for a long time but everyone is looking forward to it.
- Ben Knaggs
While the rain-affected pitch played a role in the match, Knaggs echoed the thoughts of all-rounder Brock Larance when saying the result was a confidence boost.
Larance starred in the win and said post-game it was just what the young CYMS side needed.
"Last week we really stepped up," Knaggs said.
"The couple of games before our bowling had not been up to scratch but last week we stepped up and really improved in that area.
"Our batting has been going well and everyone got a lot of confidence and is playing at their best level."
The one-day decider starts at 10am at No. 2 Oval on Sunday.
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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.
