New team confirmed to BOIDC as Orange City looks to defend title

After the second grade unit claimed the premiership in 2020-21, the club got together and decided a return to first-grade was needed.

Central West Cricket Council chairman Mark Frecklington is happy to welcome any new or returning club to the competition, and is stoked to see the Tigers return.

"We'll always entertain clubs jumping on board if they want to," he said.

"They used to be one of the stronger clubs in the competition."

While the BOIDC schedule hasn't been confirmed yet, Frecklington expect all sides from last year to compete again, with Oberon being the extra.

"There won't be any massive changes but obviously we've got the new team coming in," he said.

The Royal Hotel Cup will again go ahead with 12 teams, but Frecklington says there's plans for two pools as opposed to three.

"Hopefully we can split them into groups of six and give them a few more chances to play each other," he said.

If Oberon joins the 20-over comp, that means a side would have to pull out... Frecklington isn't sure who will step aside yet.

"We have to wait for confirmation from clubs but we would think it will be Lithgow or Molong," he said.

Formerly with City Colts, Oberon product Dave Sellers will return to his hometown club and looks to fill-in as captain in the first season.

"We are glad to be back in the comp, he said.

"We are a proud successful club with a long history, and first-grade is where we should be.

"We are hoping to be competitive, win a few games, and maybe sneak into the finals."

As for the type of players on the rosters, Sellers has indicated there will be somewhat of a blend.

"We've got 4-5 experienced guys who have won comps in Bathurst before," he said.

"There's also some exciting young guys coming through who can be serious cricketers."

It's one thing to have success in second-grade, but Sellers acknowledges the difficulties of taking on the top-tier.

"There's obviously a step-up into first grade but we've got the potential to do well," he said.

"Wayne Sellers is our key player and everyone would agree. When he's switched on, he's one of the most damaging bats in the zone."

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