Wagga RSL has narrowly fallen short of wins in the last two weeks and Wagga City captain Warren Clunes is out to ensure they have to wait at least another week for a breakthrough victory.
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The Bulldogs haven’t won since the last round of the 2015-15 season, but have another opportunity against the Cats at Robertson Oval on Saturday.
Wagga City are also coming off a loss to South Wagga, but will be buoyed by the return of coach Jon Nicoll and Josh Thompson from representative duties.
The Cats have only won once this season and Clunes doesn’t believe they can afford another loss.
“This is a very important game that we need to win,” Clunes said.
“RSL have been edging closer to a win so we don’t want to be first team to lose to them in 18 months.”
Kyle Doswell also comes back into the team while teenager Ritchie Turner gets his chance in first grade.
Clunes struggled with a back complain against the Blues, and while it may not be 100 per cent by Saturday, he will be out in the middle.
After another good bowling display against Kooringal Colts last week, Wagga RSL captain Todd Henderson is looking for the batting order to back up the effort.
“Again it was our batting that let us down especially our middle order, which I am number one at,” Henderson said.
“John Hoey got us off to a good start from his end, but unfortunately we were losing wickets too often at the other end.”
Hoey will miss the clash and the Bulldogs are looking for the experience Jimmy Richards to step up in his absence.
After some good performances in second grade, Jackson Weidemann has also forced his way into the team at the expense of Gage Baxter.
“Having Jacko come in and Jimmy should strengthen us up,” Henderson said.
“It is just up to the middle order to score some runs.”
Nick Grant will also be a big boost to the bowling attack after his Riverina representative duties last week.
Both clubs have some extra incentive for the win, with the Hunters Cup up for grabs for the first time.
All four grades will play at the Bolton Park precinct as part of the day and all four results go towards winning the cup.
First grade is worth four points, second grade three and second and fourths grades two each..