NO more excuses.
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Taree West has a roster capable of winning the Mid North Coast Premier League cricket competition, according to new captain, Dean Mills. So now it's time to perform.
"We have a solid side and we should give the comp a real shake,'' Mills said.
"So the time for making excuses is over.''
Taree West open the season against last season's grand finalists Wauchope RSL at the Johnny Martin Oval tomorrow. Mills returns to Taree West this season after playing last summer with premiers, United.
This week all-rounder Zac Sheather, a team-mate with Mills at United last year, was also cleared to play with Taree West. Newcomer Clint Simpson will also add depth to Taree West's batting and bowling.
Taree West missed the semi-finals in the opening two years of the premier league and have been underachievers.
Mills pointed out that both seasons Taree West struggled in the opening games before hitting form mid-year then falling away at the end.
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"We have to be more consistent,'' he said.
"We start this year at home and it's always good to get early wins to get points on the board.''
He said Sheather will open the batting tomorrow against Wauchope, but he isn't sure yet about the rest of the top order.
"I might open yet with Zac,'' he said.
Taree West's top player from the past two seasons, Josh Meldrum will bat at three or four, while Simpson will slot somewhere in the middle order.
Mills is confident Taree West's attack will be penetrative. Ryan Williams will open up the bowling with Josh McLeod and Simpson to provide support.
"We have plenty of spinning options with Paul Cox, Josh (Meldrum) and myself,'' he added.
Wauchope will field a new look side this season after losing a number of members of the 2018/19 squad.
"Some good juniors are hoping to make the step up to premier league this year with the club having high hopes for batsman Quinn Pares, bowler Corey Holt and allrounder Riley Mallyon,'' Mid North Coast publicity officer Brad Baxter explained.
Wingham will have the bye in the opening round.
Former North Coast representative batsmen Ben Scowen is expected to return to Wingham's ranks this season. Scowen was unavailable last summer because of work commitments.