The chance to push for Western Zone selection provides even more motivation for Dubbo players heading into this weekend's latest round of representative action.
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Dubbo plays host to Mid West in Sunday's Western Zone Premier League clash, the last before the region's top side is named for the Country Championships.
All sides have only played one match so far this season, with Dubbo defeating Parkes before rain ruined any chance of play in the grand final rematch against Bathurst.
The side returns this weekend and is much-changed, with captain Mat Skinner back from a thumb injury while Bailey Edmunds and Charlie Kempston are both out after being suspended by the Dubbo District Cricket Association (DDCA) this week for an off-field matter.
Mitch Bower will also make his return to the representative scene, having last been a part of the team in the 2018/19 season.
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Bower, a former NSW Country player, will certainly have Western Zone selectors looking his way while Skinner believes a number of Dubbo players are in the running for a baggy blue this summer.
"From what I've heard there's a few blokes who aren't playing from last year. They've either retired or not playing so there's definitely some spots there," Skinner said.
"Blokes are pretty keen to put thier hand up and have a crack so hopefully they can score some runs and take some wickets and put pressure on the selectors."
Skinner singled out Ben Wheeler as one player who he feels would firmly be in the running.
The Rugby bat has begun the season in fine style, having scored a century for his club side and top-scored in the win over Parkes while last weekend he scored 54 off 39 in the Orana Outlaws' Plan B Regional Bash opening round win.
Wheeler has been promoted to the top of the order in the absence of Kempston, while Marty Jeffrey is the other new face in the team after missing the win over Parkes.
"There's been a lot more changes than I would have liked this season but it's good because we've got a squad of about 17 blokes who are keen to play," Skinner said.
"We've got blokes keen to play now so it should be good competition, rather than just players being there because they are available."
Mid West, drawing on players from the Mudgee region, is yet to play a match this season after back-to-back washouts to start.
While the side is something of an unknown, Skinner expects a stern test with players like Will Lindsay and Guarav Sharma likely to line up while Steve Knight and James O'Brien, former Western Zone players, could also make an appearance.
"We have to be switched on and it's definitely not a game we can take lightly," Skinner said.
The Dubbo side will also play in its new representative kit, with South Dubbo Tavern as the major sponsor.
"We've got a few extra sponsors this year so it's really good they've jumped on board to help out," Skinner said.
"It makes rep cricket easier with things like travel and lunches so it really helps out."
Play starts 10am at No. 2 Oval.
- DUBBO: Mat Skinner (c), Jacob Hill, Ben Wheeler, Angus Norton, Thomas Nelson, Mitch Bower, Steve Skinner, Marty Jeffrey, Roland O'Connor, Ben Knaggs, Lee Price, Jakke Gardiner.
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.
