Much has been made of Gunnedah's embrace of youth over the past two seasons, but it will be one of cricket's elder statesman who will spearhead the side's crucial final-round away clash against Narrabri on Sunday.
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The evergreen Troy Sands has turned back the clock playing for Old Boys this season, taking 22 wickets in eights matches at an average of 10.53.
He leads the bowling standings, and has taken four more wicket than he did for the whole of last season.
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Gunnedah captain Mitchell Swain believes that the side must beat undefeated, ladder leaders Narrabri to make the final on Sunday fortnight.
Narrabri - who Gunnedah defeated in last season's final - lead the competition on 12 points. Gunnedah are in second place on seven points, while Tamworth are in third place on seven points.
He's probably having one of his better season for a while.
- Mitchell Swain on Troy Sands
Tamworth travel to last-placed Inverell on Sunday. A team receives six points for a win.
Swain praised Sands' form and his longevity in the game.
"He's probably the form bowler of the Tamworth competition ... He's probably having one of his better seasons for a while," Swain said.
"So, we'll look to him to lead the attack again. And, certainly, if he's on song on Sunday, it can be the difference [between Gunnnedah winning or losing].
"And then we've got batters who are in a bit of form, so we've just gotta put on a good showing and see if it [the results] go our way."
Swain planned to finalise his side later on Thursday. He expects Narrabri to select a "very, very strong side".
"I think their strength is probably their batting," he said.
"They've got a couple of experienced guys in there that are very dangerous and can take the game away from you very quickly."
Swain said Gunnedah "loved" playing against Narrabri. "They're great blokes, but very good cricketers on top of that," he said.