GUNNEDAH will be looking to make amends for last summer's Connolly Cup disappointment when they begin their campaign against Moree on Sunday.
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After claiming the 2017-2018 Cup, Gunnedah endured a tough season last summer, eventually missing out on a place in the grand final.
Court House experienced campaigner Blake Small will captain the side for a third season and believes consistency will be key to returning his side to Cup glory.
"I think the thing that really hurt us last season was not having the same side for each game," Small told the Namoi Valley Independent.
"We had to chop and change a bit to help keep our War Veterans Cup side strong.
"Fortunately, it doesn't look like the two sides will play on the same days this season, which should help everyone field a strong side."
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Several of Gunnedah's Connolly Cup players have experienced representative duties so far this summer, having played in last weekend's War Veterans Cup victory.
"Ash White, Brodie Cleal and Oliver Thomas all played last weekend and played really well," Small said.
"I think it was the first time any of them had played War Vets Cup, so I think they'll be better for the experience.
"Hopefully, they can bring that form in with them for this week."
Small said this season's side would have a good blend of youth and experience.
"We're pretty lucky to have some older guys like Darrin Cameron, Vinnie Winsor and Jake Vigor put their hands up to play this summer," he said.
"The side then gets balanced out with younger guys like Ash, Ollie Thomas and Braithen Winsor, who will be playing their first season of rep cricket.
"All in all, it's going to be a pretty exciting season and we're hopeful we can get off to a good start."
This season will see Gunnedah take part in the Connolly Cup's western conference against long-time rivals like Moree and Narrabri.
Also making up the conference, newcomers Peel Valley and Quirindi, who will be making a return to representative cricket for the first time in several years.
"In a way it's exciting to be up against some new teams," Small said.
"However, it's also going to be quite challenging because we don't really know what to expect from those sides.
"It will also be pretty different not playing against Tamworth.
"They are usually pretty strong, so in one way it's good not to have to play them.
"It should be a pretty competitive competition and we can't wait to get stuck into it."
Sunday's action begins at Wolseley Oval from 10am.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
