The local rivalry between Rovers and Nulla will reignite when the two sides face off in the second round of the Mid North Coast Premier League competition on Saturday.
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The two sides enter the match on the back of losses in their opening game of the inaugural competiton, with Nulla captain Ben Taylor placing more importance on the contest than Rovers captain Danny Powick.
“There’s probably more on the line than either team wanted this early in the season,” Taylor said.
“No one wants to start the season off with two losses and be playing catch up early.”
Meanwhile Powick suggested the competition isn’t won or lost in the first two rounds.
“It will be good to get the win but it won’t be devastating for us with a loss either,” Powick said.
“It’s a local derby so it’s important but nothing out of the ordinary.”
The two captains are weary of their opponents and admit they will take different strengths.
“It shapes as a good battle, Rovers have a batting heavy side and we have great confidence in our bowling unit,” Taylor said.
However, Taylor acknowledged his side will earn the win if they are able to stick to the basics.
“We need to keep it simple, ask for plenty of effort from my players and enjoy the game and with that a good performance will come,” Taylor said.
Meanwhile, Powick will request a similar effort from his side.
“Bowling good and straight lines to their best of our ability will put us in a good position to win,” Powick said.
“If we can work hard in the field then we will be rewarded with the bat.”
While Taylor has confidence in his bowling attack, he pin points two players as the danger men for Rovers.
“Rovers play well as a team and everyone seems to chip in, but in a one day cricket game their danger players and Dan Powick and Ethan Dowling,” Taylor said.
Dowling entered the Premier League competition as the inform batsman in the Macleay, after he almost broke the Macleay Valley Cricket Assocation’s first grade runs record over last season.
However, the Rovers batsman was dismissed for a duck in his Premier League debut.
Rovers weren’t in the contest against Port City Leagues Magpies as their 126 total was ran down with ease.
Nulla fared better in their opening match with Wingham, but fell short in their run chase by five runs.
The 40 over match will begin at 1.30pm at South Kempsey Oval on Saturday.
