THE closing Mitchell Cricket Council Under 16s premier league meeting between Bathurst and Lachlan headlines a bumper day’s cricket this Sunday.
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Under 12s, 14s and regular 16s matches against the Blue Mountains will also take across Bathurst as the city’s leading juniors turn their attention towards a finals place.
Orange’s win over Lachlan has left Bathurst unable to take the top prize in premier league but they will be determined not to let their campaign end without a win.
Bathurst went down to Orange in their only other premier league contest this season.
Orange got home by two wickets in a match where Cooper Brien’s 63 wasn’t enough to get his team home.
Lachlan will be playing host this Sunday.
Meanwhile, in the three Bathurst contests there’s a lot on the line for the home squads.
The under 12s and 16s will be especially keen to get out in the middle after last Sunday’s scheduled clashes were rained out.
Both Bathurst teams are currently three from three this season.
The under 16s match will be the pick of the games in Bathurst this Sunday as it pits together the only two remaining unbeaten teams in the competition.
It’s not expected to be an easy contest for Bathurst’s under 12s either, who have to face a Blue Mountains squad who have dropped just a single match.
The latest game for the young Bathurst boys was a big 130-run win over Mudgee back in December.
Bathurst coach Phil Newton has a lot of confidence in his young team but isn’t sure what to expect from their opponents that have certainly displayed signs of strength.
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“We’re three from three and this is a great cricket side. We’ll just have to see how they come back from the break,” he said.
“The 13s had a game on the weekend but the 12s didn’t play but I think they’ve all had a bit of cricket. I know some have played Presidents Cup over the break and some have played other rep cricket.
“I know of a couple of the Blue Mountains boys who have been involved in Mitchell stuff, but that’s about all. I’ve also chatted to the Orange coach about what to expect. They’ve won one game each against each other so I think they’ll be a fairly strong side.”
Newton hopes Brooke Moore Oval will deliver a home advantage.
“Other than their away games I’d think that Blue Mountains haven’t had a lot of exposure to turf,” he said.
It remains unclear whether the rained out matches will be rescheduled.
The under 14s Bathurst side – also enjoying an unbeaten run this season – play at Morse Park 2 while the 16s match will take place at the Sportsground.
Games start at 10am.