Wingham captain Ben Scowen said a two week break from the McDonalds Premier Cricket League competition has halted the side’s momentum.
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The Regional Big Bash T20 round followed by a regulation bye means that Wingham have not played since their October 14 loss to Wauchope RSL.
He said the side is hopeful of a strong run heading into the mid-season break.
“The boys are keen to get a decent bat and get a good running heading into Christmas,” he said.
A number of changes to the squad are expected for their clash with Macquarie Hotel on Saturday.
Scowen said he only recognises a few Macquarie players and hopes his side can “manage the unknown”.
He will be noticeably absent from their match, as he will turn out for North Coast in the NSW Country Championships at Inverell.
He said he was “very excited” to represent North Coast this weekend.
“It’s a good side with three State players in it,” he said.
“It’s a really high standard of cricket.”
He expects to bat at first drop or number four.
He will be the sole Manning representative in the team.
Campbell comfortable to chase the runs
United captain Ricky Campbell said he is comfortable chasing runs in this season’s McDonalds Premier Cricket League competition.
As most sides are unfamiliar with their foes on a weekly basis, Campbell said the best way for his side to grasp the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents is to let them bat first.
“If we ever get off to a slow start, we know what to chase.”
“We can always send the big hitters up the order.”
This week, United take on Nulla at Laurieton Oval.
As with previous weeks, Campbell is unfamiliar with the make-up of the opposition line-up.
“I know a few guys from rep but the rest are unknowns,” he said.
With Josh Ferris still battling a back injury, Campbell said the squad will be practically full strength.
“We keep getting runs without him so we’ll be right,” he said.
United will look to keep their unbeaten run alive after posting wins against Port Panthers Pirates and Port City Leagues Magpies and a wash-out draw with Taree West in round two.
Mills and Jonas to return for Taree West
The batting performance of Taree West will be something to watch in their clash with Port City Leagues Magpies in round four of the McDonalds Premier Cricket League on Saturday.
Not only will former skipper Dean Mills make his first appearance for the season, but former club member Ben Jonas is expected to join the club on a part-time basis.
Taree West captain Josh Meldrum was excited to hear the duo will be wearing sky blue again.
“He brings energy to the team,” Meldrum said of Mills.
“He strengthens all areas with his batting and bowling ability.”
Originally from Taree, Jonas has been playing in a top-flight Sydney competition and is currently living in Penrith.
“He is a class cricketer,” Meldrum said.
“But we won’t have him every week.”
Mills and Jonas are expected to open the batting, with Paul Cox at first drop and Meldrum to follow.
Meldrum was unfamiliar with the make-up of their opponents so he insisted his side will take every precaution.
“We’ll just take a bit of extra care against the bowlers and just bowl some tight lines until they make a mistake,” he said.
After a bye, wash-out draw and loss, Taree West will hope the inclusions of Mills and Jonas will turn around their early season fortunes.
Action begins at 1.30pm.
Meanwhile, Wauchope RSL will take on Port Panthers Pirates in the other round four fixture.
Wauchope have posted two wins so far this season, while the Pirates are yet to get off the mark.