They will be heading to Bathurst in January to compete in the prestigious Bradman Cup and one of their goals from that fixture is to be selected in the state team.

Barry has enjoyed an excellent season to date with the bat, scoring 113 not out at trial match where the Central North team was selected.

He will also captain this side at his second appearance at the cup.  Barry, currently plays his junior cricket with Maitland City United and seniors for the local club, Valley.

Parnell will be playing up a year at his first Bradman Cup and he is keen to pursue a professional career as a cricketer. He understands how competitive it will be to achieve this dream but is keen to give it his best shot.

Like Barry he has given away playing football during winter, in his case rugby league, to concentrate on a cricket career.

Given the demands of training and clinics they both attended, including the Tamworth Cricket Academy during winter, there is little time left in their sporting calendar to play any other game with the dedication they would naturally wish to give.

So now its heads down and plenty of training and time at the crease preparing for the next challenge in January.