WENDOUREE quick Eamon Johnson has failed clearance to play from a hamstring strain.
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Johnson has been sidelined all week at training and will miss the Red Caps’ two-day clash with a determined East Ballarat in Ballarat Cricket Association club firsts.
He managed just one over with the ball last week, still managing to capture the wicket of Napoleons-Sebastopol opener Danny Carroll on the first ball.
Johnson’s injury compounds a tough week for the Red Caps.
Dominant century-maker Heath Pyke, who belted Napoleons-Sebastopol’s bowling attack last round, has been ruled out this round after having his wisdom teeth removed.
Opening batsman Scott Carey is only available the second week and has been dropped to the seconds.
The Red Caps also lose Anthony Beacham from their bowling line-up, with the firefighter busy on work duties, but will promote his in-form brother Tim Beacham, who took 6-21 off 23 overs (12 maidens) last round.
Red Caps’ young guns Dylan and Brody Price and Nick Hynes have also been called up from the seconds to help lead the charge.
The Red Caps, safe inside the top four for now, can expect a desperate challenge from East Ballarat, which is fighting to keep its season alive.
East could not match a solid all-round team effort from Ballarat-Redan last round and have been left to battle for a finals spot in a tight ladder jam and only the Red Caps and top-four contender Napoleons-Sebastopol left to face.
Hawks’ batsman Michael Gaylor comes into the team, replacing Harry Christie, after making a good 44-run stand at the crease last week.
LADDER:
MT CLEAR 60, 2.7333
BROWN HILL 46, 1.4949
WENDOUREE 39, 1.8027
NAPOLEONS-SEBASTOPOL 34, 0.9479
North Ballarat 33, 0.9220
East Ballarat 28, 0.9362
Darley 27, 1.1421
Golden Point 27, 0.8562
Ballarat-Redan 18, 0.6159
Coronet City 0, 0.3081