Qureshi, who was named the 2020-21 player of the tournament, was a part of the Bulldogs team that downed Orange City by 29 runs in the final earlier this year.

The draw for the 2021-22 Bonnor Cup season was announced on Monday, with Qureshi's Bulldogs having to wait almost a month before getting their title defence underway against ORC.

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Qureshi said Rugby has what it takes to win the final again this season, with Cavaliers the last team to win consecutive titles, having won three in a row from 2011-2013.

He also believes marquee players will play a big role.

"I think the big key is that there's two marquees in the competition. It's just about getting that right," he said.

"I'd imagine Marty Jeffrey is right in the mix, as he did a great job last year. I'd say the boys are all over it."

The competition will get underway on Sunday, October 31, a day after the opening round of the Bathurst Orange Inter District Cricket.

Kinross and CYMS will meet at Wade Park, while City Colts and Centennials Bulls will clash at an unconfirmed Bathurst venue.

Fellow Bathurst sides ORC and Bathurst City will also start their seasons on October 31, while St Pat's Old Boys will play Orange City under the lights of Wade Park on Friday, November 5.

Rugby Union won't play its first game until November 21, another Sunday round.

The competition will be split into two pools of six teams, with the top two in each pool to advance to the semi finals.

At least 11 games will be played on either Saturday or Sunday but Qureshi said he has a preference for the Friday night games at Wade Park.

"I personally like the Friday night games," he said.

"For me personally, I've got a fair bit going on the weekend, so I quite enjoy the drive to Orange on a Friday night, play the game and look forward to the Saturday."

For the complete Bonnor Cup draw, visit the ODCA website at www.orangedca.nsw.cricket.com.au.

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