That’s the message from Orange skipper Daryl Kennewell to his chargers ahead of a bumper opening weekend of representative cricket across the zone.

The Orange District Cricket Association open rep outfit kicks off its 2017-18 season on the road against Cowra on Saturday before hosting Western Zone Premier League favourites, Dubbo, at Wade Park on Sunday.

For all of Kennewell’s side, it’s their first hit of the summer.

But rather than be daunted by the prospect of tackling two sides stacked with NSW Country and Western Zone calibre players, Kennewell is urging his young squad to back themselves out in the middle.

“It’s going to be a good test, first game of the year,” Kennewell said, looking at the Cowra contest at Twigg Oval.

“It’s exciting, a little nerve-wracking at the same time.

“For us it’s about going out there, have fun and enjoy it. They’re picked because they’ve got the ability. We’ll back them.”

Kennewell will lead-out two different sides for both games against Cowra and then Dubbo.

But possibly the most notable absence won’t be there on either day.

Cavaliers gun Matt Corben will miss this weekend’s rep double header, leaving the bulk of the run-scoring to be done by the likes of Nick Dunlop, Mick Hannelly, Jock Cartwright and, on Sunday, vets Shaun Grenfell and Dean Turner.

“Hopefully they come in and blaze a few runs for us on the Sunday,” Kennewell said.

“But I’m really happy with the squad we’ve got. It’s a pretty handy side considering Corbs isn’t there ... we’ve got a few young guys who can play.

“Cowra’s got some good batsmen and young McNaught can send them down, but he tires out.

“And Dubbo is going to be a challenge but we showed last year we’re not far away.

“I don’t think you can write off Orange.”

Kennewell was excited about the prospect of young guns Charlie Greer and Angus Cumming, while Fletcher Rose enters the Orange side on the back of his NSW Schoolboys campaign.

Both of Orange’s games begin at 10am this weekend.