They were picked on the back of three matches playing for the Northern Inland rep side against Hunter Valley, which ended this week, as well as an invitational tournament. 

Central North coach Tony Meppem said Palombo’s 118 against North Coast and a 46no against Hunter sewed up his place in the team, while Montgomery bowled “fast and well” throughout.  

Central North will compete against rep sides from across country NSW and the boys reckon they have a strong chance of bringing home the trophy.

“Just about everyone in the team can bat,” Montgomery said. The Golfies kid is pretty handy himself at the crease but expects to be coming in at a tail-ender’s position in the rep team. 

“And we’ve got a lot of bowlers, a strong bowling attack too,” Palombo added.

The two will have a chance not only to bring home some silverware but to make one of two NSW Country rep teams to be selected after the tournament. Palombo is quietly confident, given the experience he gained opening the batting for the under 17 Northern Inland rep team earlier this month.

Montgomery is more circumspect but the 15-year-old, who is likely to bowl first change, knows he has another year up his sleeve. 

Coach Meppem said that the work the preseason boys had put in at cricket academy training sessions would help but a strong team performance would be key. 

“Winning teams always seem to have more players picked,” he said.

He said his side would have a strong chance and that Palombo and co could be key.  

“Our batting will be key,” he said. “We’ve got an extremely strong bowling attack, there are not many teams who we won’t bowl out. But we need our batters to step out to the mark and be consistent.”

Also waiting in the wings is Montgomery's younger brother Jack who was trialling for the Northern Inland under 14 side. Although he missed out this year, the 12-year-old will be eligible again next year.