Andrew Mitton's broken thumb is a blow Rugby Union

RUGBY Union certainly copped a blow to their confidence courtesy of a loss to the Blayney Bushrangers on Saturday, but they have lost more than just momentum.

Bulldogs skipper Andrew Mitton revealed on Monday that he will miss this weekend’s Bathurst District Cricket Association first grade minor semi-final against City Colts after breaking his thumb during his team’s fielding innings.

Should the side progress further, there is every chance he will miss the rest of the finals series as well.

The news comes at a trying time for Rugby, who are still chasing their first win in a finals match since the competition began eight seasons ago.

It also compounded an ordinary week for the side, who were forced to labour for almost the entire day at Brooke Moore Oval on Saturday as Jameel Qureshi’s 208 led Blayney to a massive first innings total of 378 in reply to Rugby’s 167.

“I hurt it at the time and I thought it would be okay, but it was still pretty painful on Sunday and it turns out I’ve broken it,” Mitton said of his thumb.

“I have to visit the fracture clinic this week and if it looks like it has to be pinned, then I’m definitely out for the rest of the finals, and there’s no way I’ll be playing this weekend.”

One of the strengths of the Bulldogs’ side is their multitude of bowling options and there is no doubt that depth-wise they have the players to cover Mitton’s overs. However, his specific role in their attack isn’t an easy one to fill.

While his wicket-taking has been matched or bettered by five other players in the Rugby attack, Mitton’s ability to keep runs tight makes him vital.

His economy rate of 3.6 runs per over is only bettered by Jeremy Thackray (3.1) and the recently arrived Peter Francis (three).

His ability to restrict runs puts pressure on the opposition and allows the likes of Jim Tristram, Chris Albon, Mitch Curle, Tyler Horton, Alex Mitton and Dean Watkins to attack at the other end.

The skipper’s absence will also mean a change in leadership.

At this stage that responsibility is likely to be shared between Sam Macpherson and Scott Johnston. Andrew Mitton believes that the former could be the man to do the job on a more permanent basis going forward.

“I’d love for both of them to put their hand up and give it a go this week, they can work together and do the job I’m sure,” Mitton said.

“I would like to see Sammy take over regularly next season and try and develop the side a bit more.

“He’s only young, but he’s got a good cricket brain and he is well liked by a lot of people not just in our team. I think it would be great for the club for him to do the job.”