Mudgee will take on Orange at Victoria Park today (Friday, January 20).

They be back at the venue tomorrow to play Bathurst, in a rematch of last year’s grand final.

Before hitting the road on Sunday to take on the Blue Mountains side at Morse Park 1.

The competition has dramatically changed format this summer, instead of regular round-robin games Mitchell made the call to change it a one-weekend carnival in a format similar to the old President’s Cup structure.

All four sides – Orange, Mudgee, Bathurst and the Blue Mountains – will have a home ground advantage at times, with the latter side playing its home games in Bathurst to gain more experience on turf wickets.

Games begin at 10am each day.

Today’s match is likely to feature some extra vigour after it was Mudgee who bundled out 2015-16 defending premiers Orange last year.

The local side scored a sensational 45-run win over the then shield holders at Victoria Park.

Heading into the final round of the summer undefeated, Orange bowled the hosts out for 126 but in reply were reduced to 8-40.

The “baby bluebaggers” then limped to 81 all out thanks to an excellent bowling and fielding display by hosts, Mudgee.

The win earned the local side the right to host the grand final in February against Bathurst, which they ultimately lost.