Easts sit atop the Armidale Cricket first grade ladder but captain Todd Francis doesn’t believe it’s as clear cut as it looks.
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His side is preparing to take on a struggling Ex-Services outfit, and despite their opponents’ lowly position on the table, he warned his team not to take them lightly.
“You can't underestimate anyone in the comp really,” he said.
“While we haven't dropped any games, I still think anyone can beat anyone on their day.
“We still have to be at our best week-in, week-out to go well.
“We will be trying to be at our best to get the win but obviously we will just take it as it comes and see how we go.”
In their last outing, Easts thrashed Hillgrove and did it without Clarrie Moran, Cameron Ashe and Jackson Gwynne.
Francis believes the trio will are available this Saturday but wouldn’t hesitate on calling up players from second grade if he needs to.
“Our training numbers have been good, second grade is looking better and better each week as well and that puts pressure on spots for first grade,” he said.
“That's what we try and do all the time; make people accountable for their performance.”
A battle between third on fourth place on the ladder beckons as Hillgrove and City collide.
Hillgrove had been struggling for form until their last start against Ex-Services where they managed to snag an eight-wicket win.
Co-captain Matt Schaefer said his team will be similar to the one who toppled Servies.
“Will Archer is coming back in, unfortunately Will Waterson is out this weekend so a straight swap there,” he said.
“He [Waterson] has been going really well at the top of the order so it means a bit of a shuffle with the opening batsman position but there are guys in the team who can do it.
“Archer coming back in is a big plus for us both with the bat and the ball.”
Schaefer said his team have to “play our game” but believes there are two key players for City his side have to nullify.
“Karl can rip through sides and Kyle can put runs on the board really quick as well,” he said.
“They are the two dangermen I think.”
His counterpart, City’s Kyle Taylor, is hoping to return to the winner’s circle and his team can find confidence which has been lacking in their recent starts.
“We don't have any confidence at the moment,” he said.
“Last season was a big season, City made the finals for the first time in a couple of years and pressure at the end of the season trying to keep that going and be a strong club has just got down a bit.”
They narrowly missed a win against Guyra in round 10 but unearthed new player Ben Pears who batted for a half-century with nine fours and a six in his Armidale Cricket debut.
“Ben, he is going to be a really good pickup for us this year, he is playing the rest of the season so that is good,” Taylor said.
“He came in and wasn't sure how he was going to go.
“Everyone had confidence in him because he has been bowling in the nets and then he came in and played really well for us.”