WESTERN had been dealt a few selection dramas in the days leading up to today’s match against Hawkesbury but all those involved still feel it is a strong enough side to challenge the Hawks.
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After going down by just three runs in last year’s match, Western are keen to go one better this time around at Dubbo’s No. 2 Oval.
But they will have to do it without the likes of Pat Rosser, Joe Kershaw, Josh Toole and James O’Brien.
While they are notable omissions, selectors are excited by the likes of Mick Curtale and Orange’s Jackson Coote returning to Western duties, while young guns Charlie Litchfield and Jacob McNaught will be given an opportunity to test themselves at a higher level.
“It’s going to be a good starting point for them, the ball’s in their court to do what they like,” chairman of selectors Neil Doherty said.
“The result doesn’t matter, the biggest thing we want to see is how blokes perform individually at this level.”
Rosser, Toole, O’Brien and Will Lindsay have all pulled out of the original squad named last week and Dubbo veteran Jason Ryan has been called in to cover the losses.
The squad was expected to be finalised yesterday.
Orange youngster Litchfield and Cowra’s Curtale will both be expected to fire with the bat, as will Dubbo’s Jordan Moran.
In the bowling stocks, Dubbo duo Ben Patterson and Tim Cox will carry much of the load.
Hawkesbury coach Charles Matthews admitted he was keen for his side to face Patterson, with the young quick making the move to the Sydney side in early 2015.
Left-arm quicks Jackson Coote, Jacob McNaught and Brent Tucker will also be keen to take their chance against quality opposition.
The day will also be a bit of a spectacle with both sides in their coloured kits and playing the 50-over match with a white ball.
The match at No. 2 Oval today will start at 10am.
