Eighth-placed Cardiff, 11 points outside the top four with four rounds remaining, lost outright to frontrunners Hamilton-Wickham on Saturday and it comes as two players were suspended.  

Rahul Bakshi and Varunesh Sharma were given three-match bans, a two-day fixture and two T20 games, by club officials this week.

An on-field altercation between the Indian imports in Cardiff’s T20 Summer Bash opener last week was put on report by the umpires, but the matter avoided going to judiciary with Newcastle District Cricket Association satisfied by the internal ruling.

Watkins said all the players were now keen to move on.

“It was disappointing for all involved,” Watkins said.

“They regret what they did but will cop the punishment and now we’ve all just got to move on.

“We are better than that as a team and a club and it’s time to just play cricket.” 

This most recent result was Cardiff’s third straight loss in the 90-over format, which included being dismissed for 37, but the Black Roses produced a top all-round display to beat Merewether in T20 on Tuesday.   

“It shows how close the competition is, you can’t have a bad day,” Watkins said.

Cardiff head to Harker Oval this Saturday and next to play defending champions Wests, who are sitting sixth on the overall standings.

The Rosellas are without seamer Tom Allen but get back batsman Ben Chew.

Elsewhere in round 11, fifth-placed Merewether and seventh-placed Wallsend will push their play-off claims at Townson Oval.

University, now in second spot, are minus Michael Radnidge and Matt Gawthrop against Belmont at Cahill Oval.

Toronto and Charlestown share third position. The Kookaburras will be at full strength when meeting Waratah-Mayfield at Waratah Oval while the Magpies host City at Kahibah Oval.

Competition leaders Hamwicks are at home to Stockton and Northern Districts at Passmore Oval.

Play from 11am.

LADDER: Hamwicks 50, University 47, Toronto 42, Charlestown 42, Merewether 41, Wests 39, Wallsend 33, Cardiff 31, Stockton 20, Waratah 17, Belmont 16, City 15.