By MATT NICHOLLS
CITY captain Steve Butler will watch his team-mates from the sidelines for the rest of the year after dislocating his elbow.
The first-year skipper has his side in second position on the ladder after seven rounds and they could jump to top spot with a win this Saturday.
City takes on ladder leader Hillgrove at Lambert Park and it will have to beat the Colts without Butler and opening batsman Paul Woodford.
“I’ll have another x-ray on Monday, but it this stage I’ll be out until after Christmas,” Butler said.
“We’ve also lost Paul Woodford, who has gone up to Brisbane, and it’s unlikely he’ll be back this season.”
Butler said Woodford was a chance to play finals as he had qualified, but that would depend on his team-mates.
“If we’ve got blokes making runs then it’ll be hard for him to come back in, but if we don’t then there’s a chance he could return.”
Woodford had been wicketkeeping for City this season, but replacing him won’t be an issue.
“We’re blessed in a way that we’ve got four keepers playing first grade,” Butler said.
“Brad Smith or Derek Schneider are likely to get the gloves.”
Last year’s captain, all-rounder Andrew Brownlie, is likely to take the reins in Butler’s absence.
“I’ll probably look after the administrative stuff, but Andrew will take control on the field,” Butler said.
“He’s a natural leader and he still captains the Armidale first XI, so it shouldn’t be an issue for him.”
City and Hillgrove to battle at Lambert Park at 12.45pm on Saturday, while Ex-Services and Easts play a twilight match at the sportsground from 3.30pm.
