The difficulty for the Panthers has been getting a consistent team on the park according to senior player Ben Leach.

"There always seems to be three or four blokes away on holiday or out injured," he said.

"Once we have a full team out on the park I'm pretty confident we can get results."

This week is no exception for the Panthers with a number of players set to miss the clash with the Cougars.

"It is just one of those things in the lead up to Christmas," he said.

"Sati (Chahal) has a niggling calf injury, Plum (Paul Plummer) and Kierren (Williams) have Christmas parties, and Jackson Hassan and Fawad Shah are also away.

"B grade is pretty short as well, so it will be a chance for some of the third graders to get a chance in firsts."

Despite what has been a tough start to the season for the Panthers they are still within striking distance of the top four, sitting just two points behind Exies.

"If we can jag a win we will be right back up there," he said. "We aren't too far off the pace."

The main issue for the side in their loss to Hanwood was the batting with the Panthers posting just 63 with Andrew Madden posting double digits.

"There is always an issue getting people to training, and you don't get better if you don't put the work in," he said. "When we went back-to-back, there was a lot of work and effort put in because that is what it takes to win."

Umpire Appointments

Friday 29th November

Third Grade: 5.15pm: Leagues v Coleambally at Exies 1 Liam Warren and Garry Tucker

Saturday 30th November

First grade Timed Cricket: 1.00pm: Coro v Leagues at Westend Joe Catanzariti, 4.30pm: Diggers v Hanwood at Exies 1 Peter Davis

Second grade: 1pm: Leagues v Coro at Collina Glen Bock, Diggers v Coleambally at Exies 2 TBA, Hanwood v Exies at Hanwood Don Coleman

Third grade: 1pm: Coro v Exies at SG1 Roy Binks, Hanwood v Diggers at SG2 Richie Alvaro

RELATED

***

While you're with us, did you know that The Area News is now offering sports as part of its growing email newsletter service? Our sports email will keep the sports-mad up-to-date with a round-up of all the weekend's sports action - sign up here.