PORTLAND Red Triangle skipper Matt Randell has urged some of his “unnoticed” batsmen to “start stepping up” ahead of their County Division One clash with Christchurch at Reforne tomorrow (1.30pm).

Triangle are without star all-rounder Simon Proffitt and big-hitting Chris Leake for the encounter, while Joe Adkins drops down to captain the second team against Chalke Valley in Division Four.

Consequently, Randell wants his top order to contribute, telling Echosport: “It’s a tricky game and we’re struggling a little bit with unavailability, which isn’t ideal going into what we feel is one of the hardest games of the season.

“Some of the players who haven’t stepped up this year are going to have to step up this week. Some have almost gone unnoticed and it’s up to them to make sure we notice them. Now is the perfect time.

“You can’t go the whole season with people batting up the order scoring 150 to 200 runs.”

Proffitt’s absence, added to the return to New Zealand of fellow opening bowler Kyle Sloane, also leaves Triangle short on bowling.

Randell said: “Matt Barrett can step up and have a good game. He can easily replace those bowlers in terms of pace and skill on his day.”

Triangle: Emery, Laws, G Randell, M Randell, Whisker, Price, Samuel, Theakstone, M Barrett, S Barrett, AN Other