Tamworth will face Maitland on Sunday at Dick Edwards Oval in a tough opening test as a new-look representative side begin their Country Cup campaign.
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While there is plenty of debutantes right through the side there is also plenty of talent with a top order that have hit plenty of runs in the opening two grade games this season.
Former Armidale keeper bat now City United skipper Brad Smith hit a ton in his first game of the season before blasting another 90 last weekend, while Caleb McNeil is also coming off a last ball century last week.
Jye Paterson has also been seeing them well, with selector Chris Paterson keen to pick sides on form this season.
“It is a bit of a new look, re-building side that has been picked on form,” Chris said.
“Jordan Tait, Lachie Davidson and Tom O’Neill are also getting a chance with the ball.”
Simon Norvill has been a late exclusion with work commitments with his replacement set to be named on Friday night, while Brendan Reynolds is out injured and Brendan Rixon still away.
Maitland are always competitive at this level and the selectors are expecting this season to be no different.
“I did hear that they are sending up a fairly strong side,” Chris said.
“There is a fair bit of talent there.”
With a bit of rain predicted and a strong top order Paterson believes that 200 would be a very competitive total to set when the game kicks-off at 10am Sunday morning.