Cowra’s Curtale lit up a dreary day at Wade Park on Saturday when he belted an impressive 90 for Lachlan in their clash with Mitchell, forcing his way into a youthful Western Zone squad.

He only batted for 18 overs in total against Mitchell, and combined with a number of standout performances for Cowra during their unfinished SCG Country Cup run, was deemed a necessary pick by the selection panel.

A shocked Curtale said he will relish the opportunity to play in the Cameron Rosser-led squad at Gosford.

“I was just happy to be playing for Lachlan,” he said. “(But) I’m real happy to make it.”

His handy off-spin could also be used at the titles after claiming Lachlan’s only scalp in their nine-wicket loss to Mitchell and a three-wicket haul for Cowra against Dubbo recently.

But it is his exploits with the bat, combining aggression and crisp timing, which have caught the eye over recent weeks.

And what prompted him to tear apart the Mitchell attack on Saturday?

“I just enjoyed it and didn’t put too much pressure on myself,” he said.

“I was glad to get the opportunity and take it for once, so hopefully we’ll go well in the carnival.”

Cowra’s Adam Pengilly was also included after solid knocks of 48 and 43 for Lachlan in the carnival.

Orange dominate the squad with Trent Colley, Nathan Rosser and Chris Tremain all earning selection.

Mark Gardner, also from Orange, will act as coach.

Western Zone has drawn last season’s runners-up and hosts Central Coast in the opening fixture, and will be relying on the enthusiasm of the young squad to shine.

They have lost NSW Country representatives Ben Nott (retirement) and Daniel Hughes (Newcastle) from previous campaigns.

Bourke’s Ben Strachan muscled his way into the squad with an impressive 7-54 for Macquarie against Mitchell on Sunday to earn his first Western Zone cap.

Meanwhile, Woodward Oval has been named the venue for the third round clash between Cowra and Parkes in the SCG Country Cup.

Parkes, the no.1 seeds, have shied away from using their traditional base at Northparkes Oval for the final for Western Zone towns.

The winner of Sunday’s clash will play-off against the top 16 sides in country NSW and the ACT in a three-day carnival between Christmas and New Year.

Cowra will be looking to continue their magnificent run which has already claimed the scalps of Orange and Dubbo.

They were ranked seventh out of eight teams in the Western Zone before the start of the knockout tournament.