Border Bullets out to win pool section of the Regional Bash

Cricket Albury-Wodonga's senior representative outfit hasn't beaten its fiercest rivals in the shortest form of the game since winning the inaugural statewide Regional Bash in 2015-16.

CAW did topple Wagga in the O'Farrell Cup in February, 2019, but the T20 crown is the highest prize the association can win and, what's more, the finals are held at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Bullets started the competition with a thumping seven-wicket win over Murrumbidgee Rangers last weekend, but selectors have still made five changes.

"They're just guys we had to bring in, like I've said before, we wanted guys who have played at rep level and done well and all of these guys have," co-coach Trent Ball explained.

"The team is pretty much full strength and we've got the team we wanted."

It's hard to recall a stronger Bullets' outfit with 2019-2020 Cricketer of the Year Jack Craig returning as a State of Origin player from his Victorian Premier Cricket commitments with Melbourne, while former Indian Premier League bat Shoaib Shaikh is back after missing last week through injury.

Ex-Riverina bat Joe Cooke and former ACT under 17 and 19 wicketkeeper-bat Ben Fulford, both unavailable last week, join NSW Country speedster Ryan Brown as the other newcomers.

Craig and Nathan Brown are the only players remaining from that history-making win over Northern Inland Bolters at the SCG in December, 2015 and the Bullets are again desperate to regain its standing as the best rep side, at least in the Riverina zone of the state.

They will target the Wagga Sloggers when the teams meet at the Lavington Sportsground from 9.30am.

In fact, the Bullets have lost the last three games against Wagga with their last win against the northern neighbours in round one, 2015-16.

The Border outfit has never beaten the other outfit in the pool - ACT Aces - and boasts only four wins, six losses and a draw since winning the first trophy.

In a unique set of circumstances, the Bullets will face North Albury's Ash Borella.

The dynamic left-hander was dumped by the Bullets and joined the Sloggers as a marquee player.

Ethan Bartlett is another danger after smashing 117 from only 56 deliveries five years ago to end the Bullets' championship reign.

"He just puts you under so much pressure because you know if you get it (the bowling) wrong, you're going to get launched," Ball admitted.

The Aces will start favourites from 1.30pm.

ALSO IN SPORT:

"They've got three or four of their best players in, Dan Leerdam hit 73 not out from 56 balls against Wagga last week," Ball stated.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: