BATHURST District Cricket Association representative captain Adam Ryan doesn't see any reason why the city's recent run of success in Western Zone Premier League should be under threat heading into the upcoming season.
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With just over a month until the opening round of the Central West event, on October 18, Bathurst looks like they will be having plenty of selection headaches.
And that's a problem Ryan is happy to have.
The success of Bathurst's second tier side in last season's Mitchell Cricket Council Rod Hartas Trophy has put several players from that squad in the spotlight, and the lack of inter-school cricket in 2020-21 will see more rising stars strutting their stuff in Bathurst first grade.
On top of that, Ryan expects very few non-availabilities for the new WZPL campaign.
"It should hopefully be another good year for us. We should actually see an increase in the availability this year. There's no school cricket this year so we should see more of them playing in the local comp and putting pressure on players," he said.
"Ryan Peacock is back in town, someone who used to be in the Bathurst side and is now back. Going through undefeated last year was amazing and most of the guys from that team I've spoken to are keen for this year too.
"The only one who definitely isn't back is Ben Parsons, who's playing in Sydney. That opens up a spot in the bowling for somebody."
Bathurst has won three of the last four Western Zone Premier League competitions, including last season where they claimed a four wicket win in the final over Dubbo.
The two rivals are expected to be leading the charge again this season, one that's crept up quickly on associations given the later finish of winter sporting competitions.
"It's definitely snuck up on us. To think that there's only a month to go is crazy," Ryan said.
"There will be a lot of people in the nets over that time.
"I've noticed this year that there seems to be more people in the nets during winter. Every weekend there's been people there training and that's been great to see. Bathurst is currently in a great spot with its cricket."
Ryan said players from the victorious Rod Hartas side will be making their push for a Bathurst spot as well.
"The way they played in the cup last year was amazing. Guys like Joey Coughlan, Mark Day and Bailey Brien played great," he said.
"It's a headache picking a side but it's a good one to have if you want to be successful at this level. You need to have players jostling for spots because it keeps everyone playing at a high standard."
Rounds two and three of Western Zone Premier League will take place on the following Sundays (October 25 and November 8), with round four on January 31 and the last round on February 14.
The final will be played on February 21.
Final fixtures for all Western Zone competitions are expected to be released in the coming weeks.