The Oxley High School teacher has been named in the Tamworth Colts lineup as a replacement for NSW Country skipper Jeff Cook.

However, Rae might not get the chance to help out, with Gunnedah appealing against the Northern Inland Cricket Council’s decision to strip it of winning points from its December 20 clash in Inverell.

Under NICC rules all WVC matches must be played on turf wickets.

The two officiating umpires at the match transferred the game from the Varley Oval wicket to the synthetic surface at Brooks Oval.

Last week the NICC decided the game was a “no result”.

Gunnedah was to appeal against the ruling, according to Gunnedah District Cricket Association president Paul Lodge last week.

It had seven days to forward its appeal to Central North Zone administrator Rod Richards, CNZ chairman Terry Psarakis said.

“Rod hadn’t received anything by today,” Psarakis said late yesterday afternoon.

Psarakis, also a South Tamworth club stalwart, was delighted to hear of Rae’s selection in the Colts.

“He’s been playing first grade (for South) since he was 17 or 18 – that’s about 20 years now,” he said.

“He’s been an outstanding allrounder – batting, bowling and fielding.

“He’s a bit reluctant to bowl these days but when he does he bowls well.

“He’s still batting very well and they did tell me he dropped a catch the other day.

“That’s very unusual. He’s got hands like buckets.”

Tamworth chairman of selectors Don Lewington said Rae would be an able replacement for Cook.

“Losing Cookie (who is away coaching NSW at the Imparja Cup) is a loss of a fair bit of experience,” Lewington said.

“Selecting big Gordo was a bit of an SOS but he is one of the best middle order bats in first grade.”

While the Colts are missing Cook, Emu Colts star Michael Rixon is also out (Central North Under 20 rugby union trials).