The Simon Hood-coached side are gearing up for the invitational shield in Armidale next week.

The side was selected in March, although the majority of them have been together since the U12s.

Hood has coached that team right through the years.

“There is still eight boys from that first U12s team four years ago,” he said.

“We won the Tamworth carnival last year as 14s.”

“Although we will have to play better than we have been to be any chance in Armidale.”

Recently the side played well but was beaten by Narrabri, before being on top of Armidale before rain stopped play.

They then took on Gunnedah, scoring 170 but chasing 240 for the win.

“We are going to need to gel better than we have been this year and perform with the bat,” Hood said.

“We have got a good batting unit but bowling all rounders are our strength. We can score right down the order.”

The coach has set goals of hitting the 200 run mark and batting the full 50 overs out.

“We haven’t cracked 200 yet, our best has been 177,” Hood said.

“The boys need to learn how to bat with patience and build an innings.

“Partnerships and batting the full 50 are very important.”

Opening bowler Cooper Barnes has been in good nick with the ball recently, and Matt Bryant is probably at the top of the batting list.

The only girl in the side Rhiannon Graham is a NSW representative and a good wicket taker.

“She bowls great leggies and is very handy to have in the side,” Hood said.

Tamworth has drawn Hastings, Ballina, and Penrith in their pool, and will need to perform from day one.

“There are three games in three days and you have to finish on top to go through to the final,” Hood said.

“It means that net run rates and batting the full 50 are even more important.”

The Walter Taylor Shield starts on Monday with the final to be played next Thursday.