Norths missing five

NEW blood will be tested en masse this weekend, with several CFN sides impacted by injuries and rep duties.

Norths’ depth is to be tried in their clash with Atherton, who are coming off a classy win over reigning two-day premiers Mulgrave.

Norths captain Chris Stanger joins club teammates Brendan Smith, Anton Booy, Aaron McNab and Kyll Wright at a Bulls Masters Twenty20 event in Mackay.

Meanwhile, Tully are out to roll Rovers after an upset win went begging last Saturday.

Defending 118, Tully had Norths on the ropes. But Norths scraped home thanks largely to a stoic knock from Sean Prior (20 not out).

“We should have won that game, especially if we took our opportunities,” said Tully skipper Brenton Edwards, also in Mackay this weekend.

The all-rounder said experienced Tully players Rhys Camilleri and stand-in captain Josh Chadwick would need to play leading roles against Rovers at Endeavour Park.

Edwards was impressed with the efforts of fellow Tully quick Shera Brar, who took four Norths scalps, including Stanger (4) and opener Lach- lan Naess (4).

“As a left-armer with good pace, he is going to take a lot of wickets this season,” he said.

A serious injury to Grant Bocca soured Tully’s impress- ive showing last round.

Bocca was carried from the field after injuring his leg while bowling.

“It was a freak accident, he was putting his foot out to stop the ball. He will be a big loss,” Edwards said.

After losing to Atherton, Mulgrave are also looking to find form in their clash with United at Griffiths Park Two.

Mulgrave quick Matt Di Salvo said his side showed a lack of patience with the bat last round.

“United have got some players who, on their day, can come out and take the game away from you,” he said.

“But we are confident that everyone who plays for us can come in and do a job.”

Mulgrave will also be without several key players this weekend, including representative all-rounder Jake Roach and batsman Grant Phillips.

Gavin Rodman has been called up to Mulgrave’s firstgrade after taking a remarkable 6/12 against Barron in seconds last round.