A youthful Wagga Sloggers outfit are looking to keep their hopes of playing on the SCG alive when they travel to face ACT Aces on Sunday.
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While they will be buoyed by some experienced marquee players in Ethan Bartlett and Ash Borella, the Sloggers are relying on some plenty of up and coming talent for the first round of the Regional Bash.
Captain Josh Thompson knows they can rise to the challenge.
"There are a few people who are only available for the second week which is unfortunate but we still have a good group of young fellas who can go over there to give it to Canberra," Thompson said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
In another blow, Riverina representative Brayden Ambler has withdrawn from the side.
He would have added some more firepower at the top of the innings.
"I was pretty gutted that Braydo couldn't make it as he is a really handy player and I think he rises at that next level," Thompson said.
"It's pretty well suited to him and he's a competitor so it's a pretty big hole to fill but we will make do."
Former Wagga cricketers Josh Staines and Djali Bloomfield will line up for the Aces, who have been a thorn in the side of the Sloggers in recent years.
Thompson hopes they can make the most of any chances that come their way.
"There will definitely be some moments where experience will come into it so we will have to take our opportunities," he said.
The Sloggers are expected to have more players to call upon for the second week of the competition when they play both Murrumbidgee Rangers and Border Bullets next Sunday.
Wagga Sloggers v ACT Aces
Sunday, 1pm at Phillip Oval
Sloggers squad
- Josh Thompson (C)
- Sam Perry (vc)
- Ethan Bartlett
- Ash Borella
- Ethan Perry
- Rikki Bovey
- Jack Carey
- Blake Walker
- Tim Kross
- Dave Garness
- Will Morley
- Nathan Corby
- Darcy Irvine