Central West Cricket Council: Bathurst under 12s and 14s win last games of regular season over Dubbo

The victory wasn't quite enough to overcome their net run rate deficit and earn a place in the grand final but it was a positive way for the Bathurst side to round out their rollercoaster district season.

Ben Anderson had an excellent all-round game with two wickets (2-12) and an unbeaten 37 to help Bathurst chase down Dubbo's total of 7-164 in the 37^th over.

Great contributions were found throughout the Bathurst order with captain Jayden Brasier (38) top scoring plus Kobe Muir (17) and Riley Larnach (12) making valuable runs.

Max Lamb (2-7) and Billy O'Hara (2-14) also claimed two wicket hauls along with Anderson.

The result saw the youngest Bathurst district squad end the season with an even three wins and three losses from their games - but this victory was the most special one in the eyes of coach Sean Munns.

"I'm unbelievably proud. It was the best team performance they came up with during the season," he said.

"The fielding was on point from the first ball. They really set up the game in the first 20 overs. Dubbo won the toss, elected to bat, we stifled the runs and they had to start going for it in the back 20 overs, which created chances.

"We restricted them to a score that we knew we were a fair chance of chasing down."

Dubbo's middle order battled hard for their runs but posted a very competitive total thanks to a 63 run partnership between Lachlan O'Connor (37) and Deacon George (28).

Bathurst's chase got off to a shaky start at 2-6 but a small stand between Brasier and Callum Munns (8) started to turn the momentum back in the hosts' favour.

"It was a big effort from our captain again, Jayden, and while Callum's score was small the contribution was massive. The partnership solidified our standing in the match and set up a big finish," Munns said.

"We were about 20 overs through when Jayden went and the boys after him came out and did what they had to do. The guys in the middle to lower order put in big efforts. Callum, Kobe, Riley and even Maxy Lamb at number 10 were great.

"All we needed Benji to do was to get set, and he went with the momentum. It's fantastic for a kid in his first rep season to come up with those runs, especially when he's in a bowler primarily.

"And Max taking a wicket with his first ball in representative cricket - in the 40^th over - was great, and then he took another later in the over."

Only a handful of Bathurst players will be moving on to under 14s next season so it sets them up well for a title shot in 2021-22.

"Out of our 13 players nine or 10 of them will be eligible to play under 12s again," Munns said.

"Some of the guys were still trying to find their feet at times and some of them might question whether they're good enough to be there, but especially in that last game they proved that they deserve selection and all of the accolades that they get.

"I said to them that these moments are what we play sport for. They all did their district an immense service and they can hold their heads high. They've made everyone proud."

Meanwhile, Bathurst's under 14s bounced back from their first loss of the season by claiming a thrilling two run win at Brooke Moore Oval, bowling Dubbo out just shy of their 150 total.

Ruben Newton (36 runs) and Mark Sheather (3-15) Bathurst's top performers.

Bathurst plays host to Orange in the grand final this Sunday.