Ask any team or player what the hallmark of a successful season is and many of them will say the same thing... consistency.
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It's not an explosive answer or one that will light a pre-season on fire, but that's the goal for Bailey Ferguson's Cavaliers during this Bathurst Orange Inter District Cricket season as his side was denied the opportunity to qualify for the decider due to wet weather.
Yes, the rain played its part in disallowing his teammates from progressing through the playoffs, but so did lack of stability throughout the regular season as a few more wins would have seen them finish in a much more favourable position.
Under skipper Matt Corben, Ferguson will vice captain the first grade side but will lead the Royal Hotel Cup outfit for the first time.
"We played some great cricket in patches but we need to be more consistent this year," he Ferguson said.
"We'll be hard to beat again. We showed in spots we can definitely win cricket games. We had a few new guys last year who had to learn each other and the culture.
"But, now everyone's settled in pretty well."
Cavaliers' roster is already solid, but it's set to be bolstered by Kinross gun George Cumming, as well as the returning John Warrington.
"He's [Warrington] a really good opening stick," he said.
"And we'll get George for at least the first half of the season. I'm not sure if COVID will allow him to go to Sydney after that."
Ferguson knows the rest of the league won't roll over and hand them victories. In fact, he knows the field will be supremely difficult, as it is every year.
With Oberon joining the league in 2021-22, Ferguson offered his thoughts on some of the heavy hitters this summer.
"St Pat's Old Boys are always strong... they've got a good, young base," he said.
"Orange City is always tough. They're our rivals and it's never an easy game against them.
"And then Rugby Union, they're another good side. It's going to be tough all-round... it's a good competition."
Ferguson's hit the nail on the head with his assessment of the competition as it looks as wide open as ever.
Orange City initially looked to have taken a massive step back with the news that Harry McGregor, Blake Weymouth and Ed Morrish wouldn't be playing, but COVID might have paused the former duo's move to Sydney, while Morrish looks to have back flipped on his retirement.
Central West Cricket Council president Mark Frecklington is hoping the competition will kick-off on schedule, but understands the potential limitations.
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