BATHURST has enjoyed cracking contests with familiar cricketing rivals over the years, such as Dubbo and Orange, but this Sunday they write a new chapter into their list of head-to-head adventures.
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Bathurst travels to Dubbo's Victoria Park to face an unknown opponent in Cobar for the Western Zone Plate.
The team from the town of just over 4,000 people has enjoyed a magic run through Western Zone's second tier competition and are out to create another giant killing moment.
Cobar sent a big warning shot to Bathurst with the way they accounted for Dubbo in the semi-finals.
The Cobar squad took no prisoners in a 202 run mauling of Dubbo at Nyngan.
Even with Dubbo fielding a second string squad for the tournament, like Bathurst, the result speaks volumes for the quality of the Cobar side.
Bathurst's Mark Day, who top scored in Bathurst's first round win over Forbes, is looking forward to the challenge from a new team.
"They're very much an unknown," he said.
"For them to come out and beat Dubbo the way they did put us on notice that they might be very handy.
"It really sends the message that they're keen to win this. It should be a great game."
Bathurst have reason to feel confident themselves with the way they've advanced through the competition.
They had a gutsy last over win over Forbes before thumping Blue Mountains a fortnight ago to reach the final.
With Bathurst's first-string team also enjoying an unbeaten Western Zone Premier League competition it showcases the district's present depth in the game.
Day said Bathurst has been spoiled recently with cricketing talent.
"There's a lot of great players in Bathurst and there's a few players in this team who are knocking on the door of the Premier League team," he said.
"It's great having good competition for spots. It helps both teams go a long way.
"We had that washout against Mudgee first up [in the Rod Hartas Trophy] after we'd posted quite a good score, then against Parkes it was a great team performance.
"Against Blue Mountains everyone stood up and did their job. That was a great game from us."
Bathurst have made several changes to the team which faced Blue Mountains.
It's set to be a Cant family affair with Ben and David, along with Phil as a backup, all brought into the Bathurst squad.
Matt Fearnley's recent Western Zone Premier League appearance ruled him ineligible for the plate final and has allowed St Pat's Old Boys teammate Aiden Macauley to take his place.
Bathurst City's Rory Daburger also makes his return to the district level.
Game starts from 10am at Victoria Park.
BATHURST: Andrew Brown (c), Sam Macpherson (vc), Mark Day, Dene Rice, Harrison Craig, Kurt Toole, Ben Cant, Rory Daburger, Aiden Macauley, Tyler Horton, David Cant, Phil Cant
Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
