The North Tamworth veteran was planning to have a bit of a run around in the lower grades and maybe play a couple of games with sons Harry and Michael.

Instead he has found himself a first grade regular, and on Saturday will lead the Redbacks against Old Boys in the absence of regular skipper Brendan Rixon.

In a double blow Norths will also be without Rixon’s younger brother Michael. He dislocated his finger playing for the Northern Inland Bolters last weekend.

Lewington reckoned it’s been about five years since he last captained Norths’ first grade and is under no illusions about the task in front of them, especially without their two batting guns.

“It’s a really good challenge for us,” Lewington said.

He wasn’t glossing over how big a loss the Rixon boys will be, but it will hopefully just mean someone else stands up. 

“I think sometimes we probably look at the Rixons as a luxury and think one of them will aim up.

“I’m looking forward to seeing which one of these guys is going to put their hand up and make a big score,” Lewington said.

The onus will fall on the top four, and as Lewington pointed out, they have all made contributions this season. Lincoln Peters scored 71 last round against Bective, and Evan Brownsmith, Lachie Fauchon and Glenn Lewington have all had a couple of good scores.

They have also brought in a bit of experience with Adam Daly and Glenn Simpson stepping up from second grade. They’ll with Lewington provide some experience in the middle order.

The bowling attack will be much the same, led by Adam Greentree, Brad Redshaw and Tim (Unwin), and will have to be on their game.

“They’ll (Old Boys) come hard at us from ball one. We know that,” Lewington said.

“(But) If we can bowl and field well and take our catches, I’m confident we can come up with a win.”