As a previous Dubbo captain, Mitch Bower knows how difficult it can be to run the representative program.
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But ahead of the first Western Zone Premier League match of the 2021/22 season, he's excited for times ahead.
After only being a bit-part player for Dubbo in recent seasons, Bower is back this summer in one of a number of changes to the team.
The biggest is at the top, with RSL-Colts premiership-winning skipper Marty Jeffrey taking over as captain from Mat Skinner.
Bower plays alongside Jeffrey each Saturday at Colts and he's keen to see his teammate step into the new role.
"A change is as good as a holiday. The Premier League stuff has been a drag at times the last few years and Marty, a new face on the scene, is only going to brighten it up and put new enthusiasm in it," Bower said.
"He's a young bloke and it's always good to have some fresh blood, some young blood, and have someone there who's keen to run training sessions and maybe doesn't have as many responsibilities off the field."
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Family and work commitments were a reason why Bower stepped back from representative commitments during the 2018/19 season and he barely played any cricket all the following summer.
He made the switch to Colts last season and has decided now the time is right to get back into Sunday matches, as well.
"I'm keen to give it a crack. While I'm young and fit enough to go around I probably should be doing it so it should be good and I'm looking forward to it," he said.
Dubbo is set to start the new WZPL season against rivals Bathurst at No. 1 Oval but the ongoing rain around the region is a threat to play going ahead.
Bathurst has defeated Dubbo in the past two WZPL deciders.
Bower didn't feature in either of those matches and despite a lean start to the season with Colts, he looms as a key man with the bat again on Sunday.
"I haven't really set the world on fire so far this season," Bower said, with scores of 9, 13 and 27 recorded so far.
"There's not much to talk about there but form is only one good innings away. I had a hit with the rep team on Tuesday and I hit the ball as clean as I've hit it in years.
"I don't buy into it (poor form) too much. I've played enough cricket to know I can play the game but, in saying that, it would be good to score a few more so hopefully I can get a few away."
There's plenty of talent within the Dubbo batting lineup. Chris Morton has already reached triple figures this season while Jeffrey and Ben Wheeler have multiple half centuries to their name.
Brock Larance, Jacob Hill, Tom Coady, and Thomas Nelson are also capable of piling on the runs while Bailey Edmunds, Ben Knaggs, former captain Skinner, and teenage debutant Riley Keen form the side's fast bowling unit.
Play is scheduled to start at 10am on Sunday while Parkes hosts Orange in the other round one match and Cowra has the bye.
- DUBBO: Marty Jeffrey (c), Chris Morton, Ben Wheeler, Brock Larance, Mitch Bower, Thomas Nelson, Tom Coady, Jacob Hill, Ben Knaggs, Mat Skinner, Riley Keen, Bailey Edmunds.
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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.
