Dubbo Colts to step up and challenge themselves in pursuit of Western Zone honours

Players from all four teams will vie for supremacy in the tournament, with a chance at Western Zone Colts selection waiting in the wings for those who impress.

Coach Marty Nelson is backing his side to show off their impressive talent, but was quick to acknowledge that their young age will put them on the backfoot.

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"It's a younger side for sure, it's an under 18s carnival, but a lot of them are 16 and 17, they've definitely got plenty of talent," Nelson said.

"There's some real experienced kids in there too, though, but it'll be difficult, it's not an easy game and I'd say the other three teams are the pick of the sides."

"These kids have played against each other since they were 12, they know what to expect, we'll definitely be competitive."

Despite the possibly rocky road ahead, Nelson welcomed the challenge, saying that making the trip to Orange for the competition could provide a huge boost to his young squad's cricket careers.

"For me, that's why we're doing it, we respect Dubbo cricket and the competition there, but ultimately it's our job to make sure the kids get every opportunity to move onto the next level," Nelson said.

"If we get there and compete, great, but if you're winning games as a team, it makes that selection easier for all of them."

Among the impressive line-up of names set to stake their claim on a Western Zone roster spot are under 16s Australian team member Tom Coady, who will captain the side when it touches down in Orange on December 5.

"He'll lead the way, he's a very good leader and we've got some other kids with first grade experience as well, we've got Anthony Atlee and Preston Beauchamp, as well as Paddy Nelson," Nelson said.

"They'll be the senior players in the side when we get there, it's a very young side overall, and we've got some really good up and coming young guns like Ted Murray, he'll be one to keep an eye on, but they're all very confident kids."

The first match for Dubbo, between them and the Chairmans 11, starring talents from across the region like Mudgee's Lachlan Endacott, will take place at Jack Brabham oval in Orange, with the first innings starting around 10am on Saturday, December 5.