Wagga will host the Thunder conference of the statewide Regional Bash tournament where the home team, the Sloggers, will go up against ACT Aces, Border Bullets and Murrumbidgee Rangers in a round-robin event.

Wagga got the better of the Bullets and Rangers last season to move through to the state finals at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Perry, who is one of the top candidates to take over the captaincy from Joel Robinson, believes the Sloggers go into this year’s tournament with a better squad.

“We’re shaping up pretty well and I honestly think that the team is a little bit better than last year,” Perry said.

“We’ve got a bit more firepower. We bat all the way down to nine or 10 and our bowling attack is just as strong.”

The Sloggers have been dealt a couple of blows however with Josh Thompson and Nick Grant both withdrawals.

Thompson, Wagga City’s captain, is unavailable, while Grant, a quick, is out with an injured back.

Wagga has also had to make changes to two of it’s four under 20 players.

Max Harper (unavailable) and Josh Coyte (injured) have been replaced by Darcy Irvine and Ethan Perry.

All three of Wagga’s games will be played at Robertson Oval.

They take on the Bullets at 7pm on Saturday night, followed by the Rangers and Aces on Sunday.

Robertson Oval has not been used this season and the home side are preparing for it to be spin friendly.

Wagga has two front-line spinners in Perry and new Lake Albert recruit Lachie Skelly.

“From all reports the pitch is going to turn, which probably suits us a little bit with a couple of spinners,” Perry said.

Perry is confident the Sloggers can progress through to the SCG for another year.

“Of course we are (confident). We’re definitely stronger than last year. I don’t know how ACT will shape up and from all reports Albury are shaping up well but if we can get our execution right then I think we can end up on top,” he said.

Perry believes execution of early plans will be the difference between winning and losing in the short format.

“Executing our plan, especially in that first six overs, with both the bat and ball is going to be important,” he said.

“If you get off to a good start it can be hard to get back.”

Wagga will train for the final time on Friday evening, where the team will be named for Saturday’s opener.

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