Temora will be missing some firepower for their first O’Farrell Cup match of the season.
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After Ardlethan/Barellan forfeited last week’s challenge, the holders will be without key bowlers Dave Tassell, Max Harper and Jack Harper to take on Cootamundra at Nixon Park on Sunday.
Max Harper is part of the Riverina team for the Country Colts tournament in Tamworth while Albury-based quick Tassell is out with an ankle complaint.
Despite the losses, captain Luke Gerhard is confident they still have the resources to put in another strong display
“We haven’t got the strongest team we can get but it is still a pretty handy team,” Gerhard said.
“There’s no Max or Jack Harper and Dave Tassell but everyone else is pretty similar to last year.”
Tassell had been hoping to be fit for the match after injuring his ankle last month, but will have to wait until after the Christmas break if Temora come out on top.
Teenager Josh Mcgregor will also make his debut.
Temora have won five straight challenges since winning the cup off Young last season.
Gerhard doesn’t want to relinquish control yet, but is expecting a tough challenge from Cootamundra.
“Coota are a good team and they put it us last year,” he said.
“I think we 260 and they nearly chased it down so it will be a great game.
“It always is between Coota and us.
“Hopefully we can come out on top but we will see how it goes.”
Last season Temora finished at 6-271 before bowling out Cootamundra for 202.
Max Harper did most of the damage as he finished with 5-38 off nine overs.
Cootamundra will have an O’Farrell Cup debutant of their own with 17-year-old Stockinbingal all-rounder Jack Caldwell coming into the side.
Cootamundra have not won an O’Farrell Cup challenge since 2003.
While they have named an extended squad for the clash after a loss to Wagga in the Stribley Shield last week they have been boosted by the return of Matt Berkrey, Brendan Gale and Adam Twyford.