Kel Walls organised and ran yesterday’s trials with help from Central North development officer Kathy Barber and Cricket Australia’s Charlotte Anneveld.

They were impressed with a 30-strong group of players vying for 12 positions in the North West CHS boys’ team.

“Having 30 trial was a great number,” Walls said.

“It’s the most we’ve had for a few years.

“And there is plenty of talent there as well.

“There are also some boys we haven’t seen before too.

“We just need to get the balance right.”

That was during the day which consisted of a net session (batting and bowling) for all 30 as well as a game out on the nearby oval.

After naming the side, Walls was confident it would perform at the State CHS Carnival.

“It is lacking a bit of experience in the batting but the chances are there for someone to step up after the Psarakis-Everett era.

“It’s the first time in four years James (Psarakis) and Matt (Everett) aren’t there and leading the side. Now it’s someone else’s turn to step up.”

He believes it is a strong bowling side with some talented younger players such as Year 9 students Coby Cornish and Ryan Meppem, both from Narrabri.

“They are both talented young players. Both are playing first grade in Narrabri too.”

That players came from Narrabri, Glen Innes, Inverell, Armidale, Gunnedah and Tamworth to trial was also a good sign.

NORTH WEST CHS XII: Ryan Meppem (Narrabri), Alex Brown (Armidale), Sage Cook (Inverell), Tom Fitzgerald (Oxley), Jack Richards (Farrer), Richard Wilson (Inverell), Toby Fox (Oxley), Mitchell Lennon (Inverell), Coby Cornish (Narrabri), Lachlan Davidson (Farrer), Dylan Segundo (Narrabri), Tom Scoble (Inverell).