The representative retirements of skipper Matt Crawley and gloveman Scott Gray – as well as the unavailability of Frank Bright – has necessitated the need for re-building.

In comes Canowindra’s Nick Whatman and Morongla’s Andrew Schaefer, both of whom were part of the squad last season.

The other replacement is teenage

paceman Isaac Steel who has impressed in a number of opportunities for club side Valleys this season.

It all casts a very young complexion on a squad hunting their first representative win of the season.

“It’s a good opportunity to give some of these younger players an opportunity at a higher level,” said Doug Wright, chairman of selectors.

“And that is what Cowra cricket over the years has been about. We have always tried to promote the younger players and afford them every opportunity to succeed.”

Grenfell pair Phil Simpson and Alec McSpadden have made themselves

available for selection after a mooted Grinsted Cup challenge for their club side on Sunday fell through.

Cowra battled to a tough four-wicket loss against Parkes in their opening Lachlan Council fixture.

Forbes, on the other hand, thumped an under-manned Condobolin and have remained unbeaten thus far in the second tier Country Plate.

But they were unsuccessful in two attempts against Cowra in the Lachlan Council Competition last season.

The bowling effort will be one area of importance for the Cowra side after they failed to defend a sizeable 282 in the loss to Orange. They are also searching for a complete batting effort with no batsman having reached triple figures for the past two seasons.

Play will begin from 10am.

Cowra: A Pengilly ©, P Guthrie, M Curtale, P Simpson, N Thorn, N Whatman, A McSpadden, A Schaefer, D Henderson, N Guthrie, I Steel.