Kensell, 20, was delighted to have made the Colts side for the annual three-day game.

To be the skipper is a huge bonus for the West Leagues top order bat and off-spinner.

Country Cricket NSW executive officer John Sullivan, himself a former West Leagues and Tamworth representative, was delighted for the son of a former West Leagues clubmate, Ian Kensell.

"Tim's done well," Sullivan said yesterday.

"I hope he also scores plenty of runs.

"I'm sure the Country Colts will give a good account of themselves.

"Last year they did well and had the Sydney Youth team on the ropes at one stage before Daniel Christian scored a big hundred."

Sullivan said the three-day game was played under Pura Cup rules with 96 overs a day.

Country Colts coach Neil McDonald was relishing the chance to meet Kensell for the first time yesterday afternoon.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for Tim," McDonald said.

"I haven't met him but he must have been doing the right things up there for Central North and Northern NSW.

"I know NNSW blitzed Southern NSW in Bathurst and I'm looking forward to sitting down with Tim and seeing where he's at with his cricket.

"It's a great honour for him and a great challenge for the Country side.

"The Sydney Youth XI is a very strong side.

"Most of them play first grade in Sydney.

"James Allsop is the captain and wicketkeeper.

"He plays for Bankstown and was a member of the NSW Under 19s who won the national title here in Newcastle last season."

McDonald said five of the Sydney side played in that NSW side – Allsop, Michael Bright, Jarred Burke, Jason Krejza and Mark Farraday."

Country's Gary Geise also played in that NSW Under 19 side.

NSW COUNTRY COLTS: Tim Kensell (capt – Central North), Matt Banning, Tim Corney, Nathan Munro (Western), Luke Carter (Riverina), Gary Geise, Joe Price (Newcastle), Stephen Millgate (Southern), Evan Miller, Nathan Ward (North Coast), Mark Robertson (Central Coast), Joel Tuccia (Illawarra). Coach – Neil McDonald (Newcastle), manager – Kim Thompson (Beckom).