Broes scored 63 runs and Hutchings belted a total of 80 runs, in what was the the third round of the Combined High School Western Zone.

The two scored a total of 153 runs, over half of Bathurst’s total score of 8-300 off 40 overs. 

Bathurst coach Paul Abbott was pleased with the result.

“Kelso won the toss and they sent us into bat. We were pretty happy to bat and get a total,” he said.

“We scored 300 and I was pleased considering the slow outfield at Brooke Moore Oval.

“It’s a nice win because it gives the boys the confidence that they can could put runs on the board. 

“Our depth with the bat is great. Our depth with the bat was something we’ve missed in recent years.

“I thought Nic Broes was a stand-out and Jaidyn really impressed with his power hitting.” 

While Broes and Hutchings starred with the bat, Abbott also praised the effort of twins Nash and Charlie Hutchings.

“They were brought in after a few players pulled out,” he said.

“Nash finished with 20 not out, which I was impressed with. Charlie bowled really well, finishing with 0-12 off four overs.”

Aidan McBurney (10 runs) and Samreet Sandhu (eight runs) opened for Bathurst, before Broes came in at three to get the runs rolling.

Kelso’s Brendan Pallier took 3-38 off six overs.

When Kelso went out to bat, the team knew they had a challenge on their hands.

Ultimately the team were bowled out for 134 runs off 32.3.

Mitch Taylor claimed four Kelso wickets in just five overs. 

Bathurst’s win is a reverse result from the last time the two teams played, after Kelso upset Bathurst in the first round of CHS Western Zone last year. 

Kelso had finished as quarter-finalists in the Alan Davidson Shield earlier this year, after defeating Albury High School in March.

However, after losing a host of year 12 players, including Bathurst District Cricket Association first graders Connor Slattery and Mark Day, it was always going to be a difficult task for Kelso to overcome. 

“Kelso went very well in last year’s competition,” Abbott said.

“They lost a few players but that’s how things go sometimes but it was enjoyable game, played in good spirits.

“There was some healthy rivalry. Both teams are familiar with each other, with many playing cricket in town.”

Jack Macleod topped scored, with the bat, for Kelso, scoring 33.

Jay Webber was the only other Kelso batsman to score more than 20 runs, hitting 23 before he was run out. 

Abbott said his team will have to improve the fielding, heading into their next game. 

“Our fielding is always a focus for us. We need to keep it tight in the field,” he said.

Bathurst is set to play the winner of Parkes High School and Mudgee High School in November.

The winner will qualify for the CHS Western Zone final which is also expected to play in November.