Diggers captain Pat Whittard has labelled this Saturday’s Griffith District Cricket Association first grade match against Hanwood as “season-defining”.
The fifth-placed Diggers sit six points behind nearest rivals Hanwood and Whittard believes a loss under lights at Exies No. 1 would go close to spelling the end for his side.
“In my opinion, it’s a season-defining game for us,” Whittard said.
“If we win, we’re right in contention for a top four spot but if we lose, it’s going to be very difficult to get ourselves up there.”
The first half of the Diggers’ year was one to forget after the side went on a six-game losing streak.
However, Diggers bounced back just before the break to win the Don Coleman Twenty20 Shield which boosted the side’s spirits heading into the second half of the season.
“Everyone was a bit more upbeat coming into this year and we just came with the right attitude,” Whittard said.
“We have a bit of fun out there but we’re always aiming for the win.”
Diggers were led to a win over Yenda last week after Dom Brown (84) dominated with the bat before Jack Favell (4/26) cleaned up with the ball.
It was Favell’s best figures for the season and Whittard said if the all-rounder keeps to his formula, the success will continue.
“He’s a bit of a confidence player,” Whittard said.
“If you throw him the ball, tell him it’s alright to get hit for a few runs and just chuck it up there he goes pretty well.
“That’s what he did last week and if he keeps doing that the wickets will keep coming.”
Like Diggers, Hanwood started the new year off with a win. Hanwood’s win came against Leagues Club after notching up just two victories in the first half of the season.
Diggers – who remain in the hunt for a one-day final berth – will be out to claim their fourth one-day win of the season while Hanwood is yet to claim a win in the 40-over format.
Umpire appointments
Saturday
First grade, 1pm start
Yenda v Exies at Westend. Umpire: Joe Catanzariti
Leagues v Coro at Exies No. 2. Umpires: Don Coleman, Peter Davis
4.30pm start
Diggers v Hanwood at Exies No. 1. Umpires: Brenton Harrison, Garry Tucker
Second grade, 1pm start
Coro v Yenda at Collina. Umpire: Gordon Browne
Diggers v Exies at Hanwood. Umpires: Scott Smith, Chris Wilson
Sunday
O’Farrell Cup: Griffith v Young at Exies No. 1. Umpires: Don Coleman and Peter Davis
