Cricket
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DIGGERS captain Scott Smith hopes the return of Jason Hampel and Mark Brown will give his side a timely boost for tomorrow's one-day clash against Leagues Club at Exies No.1 Oval.
Hampel and Brown were absent for the first two matches of the season, their talents missed as Hanwood suffered big losses in both.
But with the duo back on board tomorrow, Smith expects a more competitive display.
"To get a couple of A graders back gives us a bit more depth," he said.
"They're both all-rounders, so they can both bat and bowl.
"They're capable of scoring runs and taking wickets.
"Hopefully they're not too rusty with it being their first game back and can have a bit of an impact."
Smith, however, said every player had to lift if Diggers were to turn around their poor start to the summer.
Batting has been the biggest problem for Diggers, who were rolled for 82 against Hanwood last week.
"We just need more commitment with our batting," he said.
"We keep throwing our wickets away. We haven't been trying to stick around.
"If we get runs on the board, I definitely think we can defend them.
"But we have to go out and get them first."
That won't be easy against Leagues Club, which has won both its matches this season, most recently against defending premiers Exies.
Leagues Club captain Paul Plummer said his team was starting to build momentum.
"Two games for two wins, I guess you can't ask for any more than that," Plummer said.
"Last week we fielded extremely well. I don't think we gave a chance away.
"That was very pleasing to see from my perspective. I definitely think we're building nicely."
So is Plummer, who was particularly impressive in his team's victory over Exies.
As well as scoring 42 not out, the all-rounder claimed a hat-trick.
"I don't think I'll do it again, though," Plummer laughed. "I'm happy with just the one."