DIGGERS captain Scott Smith doesn't expect a miracle, only for his players to show pride as his team fights to avoid an embarrassing outright defeat against Hanwood tomorrow.

Diggers were humiliated on day one when they were dismissed for 25, Hanwood quick Tom West (8-12) the chief destroyer on his home pitch.

In reply, Hanwood amassed 4-145 before declaring and reducing Diggers to 5-48 at stumps.

Given the batting frailty they have shown this summer, Diggers need an unlikely form reversal to deny Hanwood maximum points.

Jason Hampel will resume on 35, but Smith said Diggers needed other contributions from the lower order.

"It'd be nice to play with a bit of pride and pass Hanwood's first innings total so they at least have to bat again," he said.

"We've got Jason Hampel in at the moment and he was going along quite nicely the other week.

"Pat Whittard, our normal opener, he's in next, so we've still got a bit of batting to come.

"Hopefully those two boys, plus the other four guys, can stick around for a while, put on a few runs and show a bit of fight for our side."

Smith said there was no excuse for Diggers' capitulation on day one.

"The conditions weren't as bad as it might have seemed by looking at the paper," he said.

"We just needed a bit more discipline.

"Everyone dug in a bit more in the second dig, but our backs are still against the wall."

Smith said it would be a long summer if Diggers didn't start showing some heart.

"This is only the first two-day game," he said.

"They're 70-over matches. You can't just throw your wicket away when you're up against it.

"It's not enjoyable when you get bowled out for 25.

"You can lose and still enjoy a match, but losing like that is never enjoyable."