Youngsters get a chance in depleted Orange outfit

TWO new faces are the feature of the Orange representative side named to take on Mudgee in Sunday’s SCG Country Cup match.

CYMS duo Nick Wright and Adam Smith have been named in the side for the SCG Country Cup third-round match at Wade Park.

A number of players are unavailable for Sunday’s game, allowing the youngsters to earn a spot in the rep side.

Orange District Cricket Association chairman of selectors Gary Colley said it was tough choosing a team.

“We have a few guys who are unavailable with work commitments,” Colley explained.

“Nick Wright comes in for Matt Findlay and Adam Smith, the wicketkeeper, comes in for Nick Dunlop. Had both players been available and not had work commitments, they probably would have been selected.”

Cavaliers young gun Liam Gough is also unavailable as he will be captaining the Mitchell under 16s team as they take on Lachlan Valley in Young.

Senior Cavaliers players Stuart Middleton and Chris Martin, who have been regulars in Orange’s representative side, are also unable to play this Sunday.

The Orange side will still have plenty of experience with Centrals’ Adam Shepherd returning as captain and Cavaliers all-rounder Richie Venner back as vice-captain.

Shepherd scored an unbeaten century against Cavaliers in their round two first grade victory, while Venner posted 56 in his side’s Royal Hotel Cup win over Centrals last Friday.

Adding to the team’s batting strength are Orange City’s Nathan Rosser, Centrals’ Mick Walker and Cavaliers’ Mitch Evers.

The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Mitchell representatives Mark Wiegold and Jackson Coote and they will be joined by Mitch Harvey and Lewis Freeth.

“We’ve still got to come up with one more,” Colley explained.

“We had someone pull out this morning so we still have to name a 12th man. I’m undecided at the moment who that will be.”

Orange’s match against Mudgee this Sunday will not be an easy one.

Mudgee accounted for Orange in their rain-affected President’s Cup encounter last month in Bathurst.

Mudgee were bowled out for 112 and then removed Orange for just 63.

Colley knows this Sunday will not be any easier for the Orange side.

“We’re not going in over-confident,” Colley said.

“Mudgee will be difficult to beat. The Orange boys have just got to perform.”

n ORANGE: Adam Shepherd (c), Richie Venner (vc), Nathan Rosser, Mick Walker, Mitch Evers, Nick Wright, Adam Smith (wk), Jackson Coote, Mitch Harvey, Lewis Freeth, Mark Wiegold.