HE'S one of the most destructive batsmen in the Mid North Coast Premier League cricket competition, however, after three rounds Wingham captain Michael Rees has yet to make a trip to the crease.
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"Round four and I haven't had a bat yet - how good is that,'' Rees said as his side prepares to play Port Macquarie Pirates at Wayne Richards Park tomorrow.
Rees has opened the batting since returning to the club two seasons ago. However, Ben Scowen's comeback this summer has resulted in Rees dropping down the order to five.
"I'll bat where I'm needed,'' he said.
"But I'm happy at five.''
Scowen missed last season due to work commitments but will be available for most matches this campaign. He was in scintillating touch last match when he scored an unbeaten 96 - the highest score in the premier league so far, as Wingham overwhelmed Rovers to win by five wickets. Cover drives, cut shots and flicks to the on-side reportedly highlight his innings.
Scowen and Ryan Morris will open the batting tomorrow with Josh McTaggart at three and Ben Cole at four in what Rees said is a powerful lineup.
"We have Ryan MacGregor and Mick Stinson at eight and nine and they'd be in the top four in most sides,'' he pointed out.
However, it isn't all good news in the Upper Manning as promising Ryan Smoothy is set to miss the majority of the season after injuring his shoulder playing touch football, Toby Polley took Smoothy's place against Rovers last week and performed admirably with the ball, Rees said.
Rees will have a look at the wicket tomorrow before he decides if he'll bat or bowl should he win the toss.
"I think we go better when we chase a score, so I'll be keeping that in mind,'' he said.
He pointed out Wingham lost just one wicket last weekend when hauling in 128, Scowen and McTaggart (21) added 122 unbeaten runs. Morris was an early casualty when he was dismissed for four.