BATHURST has not lost a senior men's representative cricket game so far this season and that's exactly how the team which will line up for this Sunday's Mitchell Twenty20 Cup hope to keep it.
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While the players have varied between the Rod Hartas, Western Zone Plate and Western Zone Premier League sides Bathurst has fielded already this summer, each unit has performed to further enhance the district's standing as a Central West heavyweight.
However, when it comes to the Twenty20 format, Bathurst District Cricket Association secretary Brad Broes feels there is still a point to prove.
Since Mitchell introduced a T20 cup competition in 2017, Bathurst has won it just once.
In the inaugural edition Bathurst went down to Orange in the grand final, while the following season Bathurst defeated Lithgow by 19 runs in the decider.
Last year the format changed to a single-day tournament with just four teams participating. Bathurst was eliminated after losing in round one to eventual premiers Orange.
Given the Mitchell Cricket Council's Presidents Cup competition - one in which Bathurst is the nine-times defending champion - did not go ahead this season, success on Sunday carries added importance.
"We were going for win number 10 in that [President's Cup] this year, so I think, speaking from a Bathurst point of view, it would be good to keep our dominance going in Mitchell competitions by winning this," Broes said.
"If we could add the T20 trophy to the cabinet after we blew it last year, that would be very nice.
"We've got to snag one back."
As well as having hosting rights this Sunday to work in its favour, Bathurst has named a strong side in its quest to 'snag one back'.
After helping the Central West Wranglers qualify for the Regional Bash semi-finals, Adam Ryan, Jameel Qureshi, Mitch Taylor, Matt Stephen, Connor Slattery, Jaden Ekert and Henry Shoemark get their chance to impress for Bathurst.
Ryan will captain the side, while star seamer Stephen has made himself available despite an ongoing back complaint.
"Jaden Ekert, I think T20 is made for his style and it will be really interesting to see he how he goes. Then you've Henry, Connor, Ryano, Steveo," Broes said.
"Steveo even just watching him from the sidelines, you can see how enthusiastic he is, how competitive he is, so it's great when you have him."
Bathurst meets Lithgow in round one from 10am, while Cowra battles with Orange. The victors then advance to the 2.30pm decider. All games will be played at Morse Park.
