PORT Panthers Pirates will look for a stronger batting performance when they host Wauchope RSL in the second round of the Hastings River District Cricket Association competition tomorrow.
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The Pirates were rolled by Port City Leagues Magpies for just 88 in the first round last weekend after the Magpies made 189.
In the process the Magpies took an early lead in the Grant-McMahon Shield.
Paul Stait's 16 was the best of the Pirates' batting. New skipper Rod Morton said wickets weren't valued.
He hoped that would change tomorrow against RSL, who is also looking to get into the winner's circle after losing down to Camden Haven last weekend.
While there were a few top-order failures last week, Morton wasn't panicking yet.
"I'll let the top six settle in," he said.
Wicketkeeper Matt Rankin will come back into the side tomorrow. Morton was keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of who he would replace.
Macquarie Hotel is also after its first win of the season. Michael Pelley's men take on Camden Haven at Wayne Richards Park.
Macquarie had a similar batting problem to Pirates in its loss to Comboyne last weekend.
And just like Morton, Pelley wasn't worried.
"That happens early in the season," he said.
Top-order batsman Josh Hyde will slot back into the lineup. His brother Ethan will add some strength to the bowling stocks.
The Macquarie bowlers hit the right areas last weekend but failed to break partnerships at crucial times.
Pelley said the Hydes would be welcomed back into the fold.
"They're not ones to shy away from a battle," he said.
Camden Haven has a dangerous brotherly combination of its own. The Kerr boys Nathan and Sam can take the game away from anyone on their day.
The Haven has also taken on some Taree players in Daniel Stone, Anthony Turner and Greg Stewart.
Pelley knew they could be dangerous after playing against them in the inter-district competition.
The weekend's draw
First grade: Macquarie Hotel v Camden Haven @ Wayne Richards Park, Port Panthers Pirates v Wauchope RSL @ Oxley Oval, Comboyne v Port City Leagues Magpies @ Laurieton Oval
Second grade: Beechwood v Port Panthers Pirates @ Beechwood Oval, Camden Haven v Comboyne @ Andrews Park, Port City Leagues Magpies v Wauchope RSL @ Woods Street 2, Macquarie Hotel bye
Third grade: Bonny Hills v Macquarie Hotel Dolphins @ Inmon Fields, Macquarie Hotel Turtles v Port City Leagues Magpies Swoopers @ Wayne Richards Park, Wauchope RSL Red v Comboyne @ Sancrox Reserve, Port Panthers Pirates Mutineers v Camden Haven Black @ Tuffins 2, Camden Haven Red v Port Panthers Pirates Billhooks @ Kendall, Wauchope RSL Blue v Beechwood @ Lank Bain 1, Port City Leagues Magpies Strikers v Port Panthers Pirates Buccaneers @ Stuart Park
Fourth grade: Wauchope RSL v Port Panthers Pirates Rum Runners @ Fairmont Gardens, Port Panthers Pirates Sea Dogs v Bonny Hills @ Tuffins 1, Beechwood v Port City Leagues Magpies @ Lank Bain 2