Cobb out as Supersaints rejig batting order

UNBEATEN St Albans-Breakwater is set to rejig its batting order as it deals with the absence of No.3 Harley Cobb.

Supersaints coach Sean Bogan yesterday revealed that Cobb, who scored 41 in his first game of the season against Guild-Saints last week, was unavailable for the clash with Modewarre. It is a blow for Bogan and St Albans-Breakwater, which is preparing for a stern test against last season’s grand finalist.

“He’s a big out. He’s looking after his cows at the Geelong Show,” Bogan said of Cobb.

“We haven’t lost a lot of wickets this year, so it will put the pressure on the blokes down the order that really haven’t had a hit this year to really stand up.”

The Supersaints will need to find a replacement for Cobb, with fellow recruit Tom Shiell in line for a promotion up the order.

“Chris Hester is the captain and he’ll look after the batting order this year, so who will bat at three is something that we’ll discuss at training,” he said.

“Maybe Tom Shiell will bat at three, but I’m not sure.”

Batting at No.7 last week, Shiell was unbeaten on 12 as St Albans-Breakwater chalked up a six-wicket win over Guild.

Bogan said the addition of Cobb and Shiell had added depth and class to the toporder.

“It’s been pretty positive,” he said. “They come in and strengthen us up a lot, so we’re more of a batting side now.

“Harley was originally a St Albans junior and he went across to Geelong City and played seconds there.

“He’s been under the guidance of Richie Oliver and he’s technically very strong.

“Tom Shiell has opened the batting and he loves the ball coming on to him. He’s another very solid bat as well.”

Two from two heading into Round 3, Bogan said he was thrilled with his side’s start to 2018-19.

“With a couple of guys getting to pre-season late, I thought we might have started slower than what we have,” he said.

“To get those wins up early has been a real positive.”