The former Western Australia left-armer copped a four-game ban for umpire abuse, which allowed him to recover from a niggling back injury. Cardiff president Matt Maher was confident that the 37-year-old would return from his lay-off with an extra yard of pace.

“I don’t think he’s bowled at his quickest since he joined us,’’ Maher said.

“His season has been a bit stop-start, and he’s probably been bowling within himself.

“Once he’s at full fitness we’ll see how quick he is.’’

Cardiff will welcome McLauchlan’s return after disappointing losses to University and Toronto last weekend.

** WESTS are hoping skipper Ben Woolmer will bolster their struggling team for Saturday’s clash with Belmont at Harker Oval.

Woolmer has played only one first-grade game this season because of family commitments and injury, but his experience and class will give the winless Rosellas a shot of confidence. 

**NEWCASTLE City captain-coach Mitch Claydon faces a must-win game in the New Zealand domestic Twenty20 competition, the Georgie Pie smash, on Thursday.

Claydon’s team, Central Districts, are fourth on the points table with four games remaining, and only three teams play in the finals.

**THE NDCA has called a meeting of club presidents and secretaries on Tuesday, December 8, starting at 7pm. Items for the agenda must be submitted by December 4.