By Peter Johnston
Central hit rock bottom with a score of 48 against North last weekend and this again appears likely to be a major problem when they meet West at the Jubilee Oval today.
Jarred Paull was absent from the Central side last weekend and has missed more games than he has played this season, while promising young opener Nick Devoy has now left town to attend university.
Normally reliable bats Adam Rhodes and Riley Elvery cannot buy a run this season while the rest of the Magpie batters are also struggling. Laurence Hebbard, Casey Ferguson and Peter Christos will be licking their lips in expectation at the thought of taking on the brittle Magpie batting line-up. This trio has been in good form with the ball for the Robins.
There’s still hope though because West has had moments where its batting has looked suspect.
Having said that, Callum Rosewarn looked in good touch last weekend and Mackenzie Attard showed some intent by being aggressive from the outset.
Max Everuss will also be looking to build on his latest effort with the bat. Everuss has endured a lean season with the bat by his lofty standards but appears to have turned the corner at the right end of the season. David O’Mally, Connor Turley and Kade Ticehurst will need to make early inroads with the new ball to give Central any chance in this game.
Central beat West in their last encounter thanks to a fine individual effort by Jarred Paull. If he takes his place on the field today the Magpies may be competitive but if he is again unavailable it will be early celebratory drinks for West players.
