As coach of the Western Plains Outlaws under 13s, James Hetzelling has often found himself at the best spot in Dubbo this week.
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A number of Hetzelling's players have produced fantastic performances at the Cricket NSW Youth Championships Thunder Pool carnival, and the best so far arrived on Wednesday.
Dubbo junior Ashton Deebank fell agonisingly short of a century at No. 2 Oval but his 91 guided the Outlaws to a commanding total of 4/202 against CAW Murray and then Archer Mason acted as destroyer with the ball.
After his openers had done a job with the new ball, Mason entered the attack and went on to take 5/17 from his eight overs to help knock over his rivals from the state's south for just 75.
"It's been really good. One of the things we're most proud about is that they've proven they can match it with anyone. They've proven their up there with the skill level," Metzelling said.
"Their growth as a team has been excellent from day one to today. They just continue to grow, and grow, and grow."
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Wednesday's win took the Outlaws' record to four wins and two losses from the entire Thunder Pool and while that delighted the coach, he was equally pleased to see his players enjoying their cricket so much.
"It's very exciting to see the youth coming through and playing good cricket," Metzelling said.
"They love their cricket and that's the main thing. They all come together from different towns and they play and learn together and it's good for them to play against other teams and other kids who they make friendships with."
There's been a number of standout individual efforts for the under 13s this week and Deebank, Mason, and Harry Yelland kept that going on Wednesday.
Deebank, the Outlaws captain who plays his club cricket for RSL-Colts, was a rock at the top of the order and almost batted the entirety of the 40 overs.
He was bowled after a brilliant knock of 91 from 109 balls in the second last over while chasing his century but his effort, and Yelland's second half-century of the week, led the Outlaws to an imposing total.
Mac Gleeson and Dempsey O'Connell then both struck with the new ball to leave CAW Murray in real trouble at 2/17 and things didn't get any better when Mason came into the attack.
The Wellington junior ripped through the opposition to finish with 5/17 and secure a commanding 127-run win for his team.
After making 40 in a Twenty20 win on Monday and then starring with 58 and 3/8 on Tuesday, Parkes young gun Yelland finished with 58 and 1/1 in Wednesday's win.
"Harry Yelland has made a lot of runs and he's been fantastic. He's a younger player, as well, he's under 12s so he's playing up. Cayden Metzelling has bowled tight with his off-spin and he's young, only 12 as well," the coach said.
"There's plenty of potential for the future. There's been other good performances from the bowlers coming through as well."
Harry McDonald has been another to catch the eye for the under 13s, having made 56 from 45 balls in a Twenty20 win on Monday.
The last lot of Thunder Pool matches in Dubbo, Narromine, and Wellington are on Thursday.
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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.
