Monday was shaping as a special day for the Skinner family.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mat Skinner, who has done so much work in the representative scene for Dubbo cricket in recent times, again playing at the famed Sydney Cricket Ground with the Orana Outlaws but this time joined by his brother, Steve.
But, suddenly, in the past week Mat ended up in hospital and after having his appendix removed just days ago won't be able to take his place in the Outlaws side which will meet the ACT Aces in Monday afternoon's Plan B Regional Bash semi-final on the hallowed turf of the SCG.
The brothers have been mainstays in Newtown's RSL-Whitney Cup side for a number of years and have won competitions and played representative cricket together, but teaming up at one of most revered and respected grounds in the world would have added another highlight to their cricketing careers.
"Yeah it's a bit disappointing," Steve said.
"It would have been great to have a game with him there but it's not to be. Not much we can do about something like that.
"We'll just have to go again next season."
READ ALSO:
Mat was part of the Outlaws teams which played at SCG on finals day in both 2015/16 and 2016/17, helping the side claim the country cricket title in the latter campaign.
Steve missed selection then but has been a part of the Orana side in more recent seasons which have fallen short of the SCG finals day.
Both had played their part in getting the Outlaws back to the famed ground this season, with all-rounder Steve playing a key part in the side's second round win over Illawarra when he took 3/21 from his four overs.
"It's very exciting. There's not much more you can say," Skinner said of the chance to play at the SCG.
"I'd been a bit disappointed to not make the squad before and thought my runs and wickets might get me there.
"It's been a funny season, this one. I've felt really confident with the ball but haven't been taking as many wickets but I've been getting a few in rep for Dubbo and I thought I bowled really well in the last Outlaws game.
"Bowling is a funny thing, sometimes wickets don't come when you're bowling well."
The Outlaws head into the finals day having beaten Central West and Illawarra in the first two rounds while the ACT defeated the Murrumbidgee Rangers and Wagga Wagga Sloggers to secure a ticket to the city.
The Aces' powerful squad is headlined by former Big Bash League player Blake Dean while it also features Bathurst junior Nic Broes.
The winner of the Orana-ACT match will take on either the Newcastle Blasters or Lake Mac Attack in the decider.
"It's a strong comp there," Skinner said of the ACT.
"So is Newcastle so all three sides we could play on Monday are going to be good."
But the Outlaws head to Sydney with confidence, with the side's depth in quality a real plus.
Marquee man Tim Armstrong is in the squad again having starred against Illawarra and provides real power in the batting lineup alongside the likes of Mitch Bower, Charlie Kempston, Ben Wheeler, and Ben Strachan.
Strachan will also be key with the ball along with fellow quicks Bailey Edmunds and Ben Knaggs while Skinner, Bower, and Marty Jeffrey provide the slower options.
"We've played two games and I think the roles will be pretty similar again," Skinner said.
"Our opening bowlers have bowled well and I'm confident I'll bowl in the middle overs and try to tie up an end.
"I'm not in the inner circle there but I think Mitch, Mat, and Jason (Ryan), will stick to what's worked for us."
Teenage talent Anthony Atlee comes into the side to replace the recovering Mat Skinner.
"It's a huge opportunity for him," Steve said.
"I don't think he'll bat or bowl much but he's a young fielder and it will be a great experience to see how the older blokes go about things at this level and to just play at the SCG is the main one."
The first semi-final is 10am while the Outlaws and Aces play at 2pm.
The Orana Outlaws women are also in action on Monday, with their finals day set to take place at North Sydney Oval.
The Outlaws also meet the Aces in their semi-final at 10am.
Matches will be live-streamed by Cricket NSW.
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.
