Despite being the smallest town to take part in the competition, Mudgee punched well above their weight and defeated Dubbo Blues, Dubbo Red and Macquarie Valley in the annual pre-season under-14s competition.

Organiser Trevor Thomas said he was “extremely” pleased with the cricket played over the three days of the competition. 

“It’s fantastic that a side like Mudgee can be first-time winners because they’re the smallest town in the Max Shepherd Shield and this is a big feather in their cap,” he said.

“We’ve been able to identify some kids for the future with the under-13s sides playing and we’ve also been able to identify some kids for our own Macquarie Valley Council side and Lachlan Council and Mitchell have done the same.”

Mudgee were again impressive on Thursday as they defeated Macquarie Valley by four wickets.

Macquarie posted 7-148 from their allotted overs but it didn’t turn out to be enough.

The match of the day was a local derby between Dubbo Blue and Dubbo Red and it was Blue who just came out on top.

The Blue side won by just one run.

After being bowled out for 103, Dubbo Blue were able to bowl out Red for 102 and win by the closest of margins.

Lachlan finished their carnival on a positive note, recording their first win with a 75-run win over Bathurst Green.

It was another close match between Orange and Bathurst Gold with Orange winning by just six runs after posting 5-146.

Mudgee’s Mitch Sandry was named player of the carnival after a starring role for the victorious side.

Sandry finished the three days with 12 wickets and 103 runs.

With the season-proper set to begin shortly,  Thomas was confident that what he saw at the Max Shepherd Shield could convert into a hugely talented Western Zone squad in the under-14s this season.

“I think there’s a lot of talent around and we’ve identified the guys now and in the council game hopefully we’ll bring them out again and they’ll be even better,” he said.

“They were a bit rusty but now they’re ready for a big season and I think we’ll do quite well at the carnival.”

The Mudgee Junior Cricket season gets underway this Saturday (October 10, 2015). 

MILO in2Cricket Under 6s, Under 8s and Under 10s games are all played at Victoria Park.

The Under 12s matches will be played at Walkers Field in Short Street, Mudgee.

To ensure a fair and competitive season for all teams, this week’s games will be used to grade the teams.

Once grading has been done, the teams and draws will be finalised.

Teams and draws will be published and available via email, Facebook and the Mudgee Guardian/The Weekly.

Under 15s will be played at the racecourse. Again, this week will be used to grade the players into teams for the season. Teams and draws will be finalised and published via email, Facebook and the Mudgee Guardian.

Registrations haven’t closed yet and can still be made online at mdjca.nsw.cricket.com.au or at Victoria Park this Saturday. 

All players are asked to be at the appropriate grounds at 8:45am.