Cam Rasmussen will captain Orange's Rod Hartas Trophy team

He was told there were plans to select what could be classed as a more developmental side.

Having coached Kinross junior teams these past few years, the idea was something the Centrals star was certainly on board with.

"I've been able to get a glimpse of what players from different clubs are able to show with their ability and personally, I've been quite amazed with the talent that's coming up," he said.

"A few of the names that have been selected I have been able to personally coach. Kids like Johnty French, to be able to step up and represent Orange is a tremendous privilege for any player to get to that stage."

The Orange side was meant to take on Gulgong at Riawena Oval on Sunday, but a wet and wild few days prior brought an end to the round one clash before it could even get going.

Among those selected for the washed out game was Orange City second grade fast bowler Campbell Warburton.

"He's up and coming in the ranks and watching him from the juniors coming up has been an absolute privilege," Rasmussen added.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how he progresses in the next few years, for his club and also for Orange, I think he's going to be an absolute standout and I'm looking forward to seeing what he does."

But just because the development of players is a key goal, doesn't mean they aren't out to beat the competition.

"I believe if we can keep the core 12 for most of the season that we will be gelling quite well and we should be able to play the best cricket and bring the best out of each other as a whole," the captain added.

"It should be a good privilege to go out to places like the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Mudgee as well to take them on at their home grounds and show what Orange is truly made of."

As for inspiration, Rasmussen remembers something Frank Weymouth told the team before the start of last season.

"Frank said, and he said it brilliantly and what motivated me to play the best cricket I could was 'we're not Cavaliers, we're not Orange City, we're not Kinross, we're not Centrals, we're not CYMS, we're Orange and we're here as the best playing XII representing Orange to take on those other sides'," Rasmussen said.

"We want to bring the best out of Orange and bring it back to its former glory as a strong cricket powerholder."

The next chance the rep side will have to grab their opening win will come on November 28 when they travel to Mudgee.

The team selected for Sunday's match against Gulgong consisted of: Cam Rasmussen (c), Rory Daburger, Johnty French, Tom Jarick, Dave Neil, Max Powell, Harry Priest, Walter Prowse, Dudley Shepherd, Nelson Shepherd, Campbell Warburton and Tom West.

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