Scott Traves has been involved in the Bathurst cricket scene for several decades now, but after taking a step back to lower grades in recent seasons, he's welcomed a return to first grade for the 2019-20 campaign.
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After only playing just one Bathurst District Cricket Association first grade game during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, he's featured in the two opening round matches for St Pat's Old Boys in the Bathurst Orange Inter District Cricket.
A regular leader for the St Pat's Old Boys White second grade side, opportunities in first grade have come courtesy of a host of first grade players being called up for representative duties.
"I was asked to step up for a couple of games and see how I go," he said.
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"It's always good to go up and challenge yourself, see if you're still up for the challenge.
"I'm getting a bit on in years, so I was looking after the second grade side last year and sort of still am."
St Pat's battled Orange City at Riawena Oval last Saturday, with Traves bowling for four overs and not getting a wicket, but his opening two overs were maidens.
Orange City finished the day at 8-299 after 81 overs of play, with Lachie Coyte hitting 109 from number three for the hosts.
"It was a long day out in the field against Orange City last weekend, with them scoring 300-odd runs," Traves said.
"I do enjoy it though and it's good to be getting the Bathurst and Orange competition back together. You get a bit of a new challenge each week, being not quite sure what you're up against.
"We've got three good players out this weekend but Orange City have a few out too. They're probably missing some of their better bowlers too, so it evens out a little bit.
"We've just got to back the players we've chosen in first grade and I think we'll go close because the Riawena Oval has a very quick outfield."
St Pat's Old Boys will be missing Adam Ryan, Mitch Taylor and Connor Slattery, who will all be on duty for Western Zone at the Country Championships in Goulburn and Queanbeyan on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Play between St Pat's Old Boys and Orange City is set to commence again this Saturday, November 9, at Orange's Riawena Oval.
In other games, Bathurst City will look to repair the damage against Cavaliers at Wade Park, City Colts will look to amend their first innings loss to Kinross at Loco Oval, Centennials will clash with Centrals at the Bathurst Sportsground and Rugby Union play CYMS at Morse Park.
All games will get underway from their respective venue at 1.30pm.