Three of Dubbo's most talented youngsters are competing in the toughest junior cricket competition in the state.
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RSL-Colts' Anthony Atlee and Tyson Deebank along with Macquarie's Hugh Sienkiewicz have been travelling to and from Sydney to play in the A.W. Green Shield.
Green Shield is an under 16's cricket competition featuring the best players from around NSW and is a launching pad for juniors to pave a way into NSW Premier Cricket.
Deebank and Sienkiewicz play for Hawkesbury and Atlee who is playing for Blacktown admits it is a big step up from local juniors.
"The step-up to Green Shield is very different, now it is a way to get your name into the ranks of Sydney cricket for future options," Atlee said.
"I was lucky enough to have a few club options after playing NSW State Challenge and the under 15s Nationals."
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Sienkiwicz has contributed scores of 28 and 34 so far while Deebank a noted leg-spinner took 3/25 against Blacktown, which has their side sitting currently in 12th spot.
Blacktown currently sit in fourth spot but Atlee is yet to fire with a top score of 27 so far.
Atlee feels that the platform has been set for young cricketers from the Dubbo region to make the move to Sydney.
"Seeing all of the cricketers I've played against and with in the last few years move from Dubbo to Sydney is amazing, Brock Larance and Ben Patterson both moved to play with Campbelltown and Henry Railz is making a huge impact for Penrith which is really great to see." Atlee admitted.
Having an older brother Tom, who has recently made the move from RSL-Colts to Blacktown has opened Atlee's eyes to the talent of the Sydney competitions.
"Watching the quality he plays with and against just shows how good these guys are." Atlee said.
Having access to quality, high level coaches is something Atlee feels separates the country from the city.
"There a number of high level coaches at each club, where as in the country each area might have one or two."
Both sides will feature again on Thursday with Blacktown taking on Eastern Suburbs and Hawkesbury facing Sydney Cricket Club.
Blacktown are certain to feature in the semi-finals while Hawkesbury must win their match and hope other results go their way.
The finals series is set to begin on Sunday.