Rovers have been forced to forfeit their opening two Premier League Twenty20 matches as half their team will be unavailable to play this Saturday as they are at junior representative carnivals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The forfeited matches are against Nulla and the Port Macquarie Pirates.
The Pirates are in a similar position to Rovers and will also be unable to field a team this Saturday which means Nulla’s two opponents have forfeited and they will not play.
Related content: Macleay cricketers dominate representative selection
Nulla will take to the field on Saturday January 19 while Rovers are also expected to participate in the second week of the Twenty20 competition.
Nulla take on Macquarie and the Port City Leagues Magpies and captain Ben Taylor is expecting his team to perform at a high level.
“Our team is shaping up well. Most, if not all, players will be available,” Taylor told the Argus.
“We would like to get through to the final and see what happens.”
Taylor is hopeful his side can regain their best form in the 20 over game.
“I think we will be suited to the shorter format,” Taylor said.
“In particular Craig Parker. He’s a bit of a sleeping giant of the Premier League.
“Craig hits the ball a long way and is a handy bowler. He is very keen to get back to the top of the order and do some damage.”
After a three week break for the Christmas and New Year period, Taylor claims his side is excited to get back on the field.
“I think we are just keen to play a bit of pressure free cricket too,” he said.
The Premier League Twenty20 competition is separate from the regular season 40-over matches.
The competition has been split into a Northern and Southern zone with the top team from each division playing each other in the final at Wayne Richard Oval on Australia Day.
An All-Star game will be played after the final on January 26 and the players will be selected into the All-Stars teams out of the Twenty20 competition.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.
Also making the news: