Division two coach Steve Blacker said Coates, who made an unbeaten 79 in division three on day one, was expected to replace Richard McKellar (calf).

Blacker is confident the team can make it back-to-back wins after starting its campaign with a two-wicket victory against Northern Districts on Monday.

Grassmere restricted Northern Districts to 163 before overcoming a shaky start when it was 4-49 to post 192.

“We had a bit of a scare and lost a few wickets early, more than we would’ve liked, but our depth carried us through,” Blacker said.

“Really everyone, from one to 11, can bat and that held us in good stead.”

Hawkesdale’s Lachie Glare was the association’s best performer, taking 3-39 and making 34 batting at nine.

“He’s as dangerous a bat in the competition,” he said.

Blacker, who required stitches after “copping a whack in the eye keeping”, praised his side’s bowling performance.

“We sent them in. We were happy with how we bowled,” he said.

“We got a couple of wickets early and were able to constantly take wickets.”

Four players – Glare, Brayden Buchanan (2-28), Nathan Shand (2-27) and Christo Rook (2-33) – took multiple wickets.

Grassmere’s division three side, despite opener Coates’ batting efforts, suffered a six-wicket loss to Maryborough and District on day one of the competition.

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