Regional Bash defending champions Orana and fellow Western Zone outfit the Central West Wranglers will both be guaranteed three games during the 2017 campaign, the third edition of Cricket NSW’s marquee Twenty20 tournament.

The winners of each of the competition’s four pools will then progress to the finals at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

This new beefed-up format replaces the previous one which saw teams progressing through two rounds of knockout matches en route to the SCG.

The Regional Bash kicked off last weekend with the Maitland pool in the Sixers Conference, the Newcastle Blasters winning through to the finals.

The Orange pool of the Thunder Conference kicks off on October 29 when the ACT Aces and South Coast Crew go head-to-head at Manuka Oval, Canberra.

But the pool’s super weekend will begin on Saturday, November 18, at Orange’s Wade Park when the Outlaws begin their title defence under lights against the Wranglers.

It’s one of only two games all tournament that will be staged under lights.

The next day, South Coast and ACT converge on Orange to participate in five games alongside the Outlaws and Wranglers on the Sunday.

Cricket NSW central west development manager Matt Tabbernor said the idea of super weekends, with teams playing multiple games at the one location, helped create both a carnival atmosphere while also giving teams a chance to work into their respective campaigns.

“Everyone’s guaranteed the three games, whereas in the past if you lose then your’e out,” Tabbernor said;.

“There’s a bit more incentive now after losing the first game.”

The Wranglers are yet to win a game in the tournament.

Over the last two summers Central West, essentially Mitchell Cricket Council, has been outclassed by their Orana counterparts, Macquarie and Lachlan Valleys combined, in the opening round.

Tabbernor said the Wade Park game on Saturday night was also a big plus for the Orange pool.

“A game under lights on the Saturday night is a real benefit ... not a lot of players don’t get that chance all the time,” he added.

“And I think a weekend of cricket will help build interest and build each team … it’ll get the team together and put a better preparation in place.”

The Outlaws claimed last year’s title after defeating Northern Rivers in the decider, thanks largely to Mitch Bower’s dig of 52 and Greg Buckley’s three-wicket haul.