Trent Colley
ORANGE’S Trent Colley might be the Mitchell captain but this weekend he’s happy to call on the experience of other senior players in the side.
Mitchell will take on Lachlan and Macquarie in Orange as they chase the western zone title.
Colley said the experience within the Mitchell team will make it easier for him the captain the side.
“I’m fortunate and privileged enough to be captain of the Mitchell side. I can learn from the ideas the other players have as well,” Colley said.
“There are plenty of guys who have been around this type of cricket before. Guys like Steve Knight, who captains Mudgee, and Josh Toole, who captains Bathurst. I can talk to them. James O’Brien has been around for years.
“Then I can call on Matt Findlay because he’s captained Orange City a few times and I think Jameel Qureshi captains his club side.”
Mitchell will take on Lachlan on Saturday and Macquarie on Sunday.
The games will also be used as selection tools for the western zone team to contest the NSW Country Championships.
“I think whenever you play these type of carnivals, president’s cup and western zone, each is a step up. That’s what I like about them - you get to keep challenging yourself,” Colley said.
“I expect it to be a tough weekend.”
In previous years, Macquarie have been a dominant side but they were toppled by Lachlan last weekend.
Mitchell will need to play well to secure a win against either opponent.
Colley said his side’s versatility will be their strength.
“We’ve got bats who can score runs quickly and bats who can bat the 50 overs,” Colley explained.
“I’ve got a lot of options with the ball as well. In the field, guys like Josh Toole and Dan Casey are great and can stop 20 or 30 runs with their great fielding and energy.
“Mitchell will put a strong side on the park and it’s just a matter of each playing doing their job.”
Colley will open the batting with Knight. They’ve opened the batting since they were juniors.
The captain is one of three Orange players in the Mitchell side with Matt Findlay and Liam Gough also selected.
Findlay’s early season form made him an easy choice after he made 81 not out in his Orange District Cricket Association first grade opener, 39 in Orange’s loss to Dubbo and 80 against Blue Mountains in president’s cup.
“His form for the start of the season has been excellent. His selection is fully deserved,” Colley said.
Gough is still eligible to play under 21s cricket but will play seniors.
“Liam will be one of the leaders in our (bowling) attack,” Colley said.
Colley said he hoped the Mitchell side performed well to give the players the best chance of further selection.
“It’s important to recognise what these games are for. The more successful our team is the more chance we have of players being selected,” he said.
Both games will be played at Wade Park this weekend and start at 10am.
