THEY came close to a come back win in their opening Western Zone Inter Council under 16s game but with a bolstered squad for Sunday’s match at Bathurst the Mitchell team will fancy their chances of victory.
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The 16s took a weakened side over to Cowra last weekend for their meeting with Lachlan and fought strongly against the hosts.
Now it’s Mitchell’s turn to show what they can do on their home turf when they welcome Macquarie to the Sportsground.
Mitchell coach Clint Bryant is confident of an improved performance.
“We had four of our top five bats out during that game so we’ll have a whole new top order for this one. They just weren’t quite strong enough last time,” he said.
“We’ve got Hugh Middleton, Lachie Endacott and Blake Weymouth back. That gives us a lot more depth and a lot more firepower too.
“There was nothing wrong with our bowling at all from that game. It was our strong point. No-one let us down there at all.”
Lachlan are now two from two in the 16s competition, having accounted for Macquarie in the opening round game by 92 runs.
Despite glimmers of hope from Bathurst’s Ethan Muller (24) and Fletcher Norris (16) with the bat, plus an excellent bowling performance, Mitchell didn’t quite have the firepower against Lachlan last Sunday as they lost by four wickets.
In the Macquarie side it will be the likes of opening batsmen Ryan Maxwell and Koda Sissian who Mitchell will need to keep under control.
“I’m not familiar with the older kids in the team but I know there’s a few in there from the Kookaburra Cup-winning team from last season,” Bryant said.
“Apart from that I don’t know too much about the side.”
Meanwhile the under 12s and 14s are both hoping to maintain an unbeaten start to the season.
The Mitchell and Macquarie under 12s each claimed big wins over Lachlan and that makes for an exciting match this Sunday at Brooke Moore Oval.
Mitchell’s 12s will be searching for a much stronger start with the bat after they lost three wickets for just four runs against Lachlan. They were bailed out by a century stand between Hugh Taylor and Cooper Stephen.
At Morse Park 2 the Mitchell Cricket Council 14s have the chance to be the chance to take a big lead in the competition.
Their Macquarie opponents will be hungry for success after their heartbreaking one wicket loss to Lachlan.
Bathurst didn’t get to see any 12s, 14s or 16s Inter Council action last season. All games were rained out.
All matches start 10am.
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
