WODONGA Raiders import Matt Plater has returned to England due to family reasons.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The top-order batsman will fly out of Australia today after playing in the opening three rounds of the Cricket Albury-Wodonga Provincial season.
Skipper Kori Stevenson said Plater, 19, would be missed but backed one of the club’s youngsters to step up in his absence at Birallee Park.
“He’s had to go home for family reasons,” Stevenson said.
“There is more to life than cricket.
“It’s disappointing to see him go but it just wasn’t meant to be.”
Plater, who made 12, 10, 4 and 0 in his four innings with the Raiders, played for Northamptonshire’s second team before arriving on the Border.
His departure could open the door for youngsters like Liam Hocking, Avery Weilandt and Josh Barrett.
Stevenson said coach Josh Warren-Marmo had made a huge difference at the club this season.
“It starts with the coach,” he said.
“He brings a bit more professionalism to the club and has helped get more people to the club.
“People just want to get around him.
“We will just keep playing and see how we go.”
After a drought-breaking opening round win against Tallangatta, the Raiders fell just short of upsetting St Patrick’s before struggling against East Albury at Alexandra Park last weekend.
The Raiders were dismissed for 171 in 42.5 overs and the home team raced to 0-69 at stumps.
Stevenson said the team would take a positive attitude into the second day’s play.
“You are never out of it,” he said.
“It’s going to be hard but we’ll fight to the end.
“Before the weekend we had been going fairly well.”