Time is running out for Ex-Services to make their mark on the 2015-16 Armidale District Cricket Association season.
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Servies sit last on the two-day ladder, but their cause hasn’t been helped by the wet weather.
They have only played one match since December 12, a thrilling six-run victory over one-day premiers Easts.
“It’s been very, very frustrating,” Servies president Scott Graham said of the rained-out rounds.
“I thought we may have had an opportunity to get on last week, but we didn’t.”
With the first day of their two-dayer against Hillgrove washed out at Lambert Park, the two sides will battle it out in a 40-over a side match tomorrow.
In desperate need of a win, Servies have been dealt a major blow, with two of their bowling attack stars unavailable.
“Brad Widders is out and Braden [Graham] has left town,” Graham said.
“To lose both of them certainly puts a bit of a dint in us.
“Will Green is out too.
“He is a real steadying hand at the top of the order.”
Jared Graham is expected to take the new ball and lead the attack with wicket-taking star John Elliott.
“John will have a lot resting on his shoulders tomorrow,” Graham said. “He’s been bowling exceptionally well.”
Servies are languishing on three points in last spot, three below third placed City who take on Easts tomorrow.
“You get four points for a win, so if they lose and we win we will be equal with them,” Graham said.
“That’s how we’re looking at it anyway.
“We need to start winning games of cricket.
“If you’re not in some sort of form come semi-final time Easts and Hillgrove will just flog you.”
Graham sees a vulnerability in Hillgrove’s usually potent top order tomorrow, but also admits if they don’t take early wickets they will be in a great deal of trouble.
“[Michael Dawson] hasn’t been scoring as many runs as he would like,” he said.
“If you take out that 177 at the start of the season he certainly hasn’t been scoring the runs he usually does.
“But all of their top five are class players and are going to be big wickets for us.”
The other match of the round sees Easts battle City at the Armidale Sportsground.