But it will be business as usual for the under 16s and under 14s Bathurst sides on Sunday, when they host Blue Mountains at Morse Park 1 and 2 respectively. 

It was easy picking for the under 16s last outing, as the cruised to a nine wicket victory against Mudgee.

Mudgee were all bowled out for 104 off 37 and it took Bathurst just 25 innings to achieve 1-105 for the win.

Even after their comprehensive win, Bathurst coach Shane Broers has been working the players at training to continue their strong form.

“We are working on building our partnerships and our bowling,” he said.

In their last outing, Bailey Brien (49 not out) and Sam Hall (39 not out) were Bathurst’s best with the bat and Broers is hopeful they will have a strong showing against the Blue Mountains on Sunday.

“Our team is very strong, including our top order,” Broers said.

“We have Sam, Bailey, Ben [Mitchell] and Brenden [Pallier] all playing rep for Mitchell, so we have some depth.

“Hopefully the Blue Mountains can get a team together this weekend, as they are a developing district, but they have one boy playing for the Mitchell side.

“They will not be at full strength, but neither will we.” 

Traditionally on paper, Bathurst and Orange have the more experienced squads, yet Broers suggests Lithgow may be a surprise packet this season. 

The under 14s cricket side had a nervy end to their last match, with a narrow 3 run win against Mudgee and now come up against a Blue Mountains side looking to avenge their 169 run defeat against Orange Black.

The under 12s side will not play until November 6, when they play away against Orange, who are in action against Blue Mountains at Katoomba on Sunday.