CUDGEN goes into today's LJ Hooker League cricket game against Alstonville without the services of classy duo Tait Burns and Michael Anderson, who will be on representative duties with North Coast at Newcastle.

However, better news for the Hornets is that experienced skipper Terry Wilson has recovered from a dislocated thumb and will take his place in the team.

With the dashing Burns absent, Cudgen selectors have promoted 39-year-old Shane Wilson from the seconds, where he has been in top form.

"Shane's been hitting the ball well and already has a half-century to his name, plus a couple of other decent scores," Terry Wilson said.

"If we bat I'll open the innings with Callum Gall and Shane will come in at No.2 or 3."

Despite last week's first-innings loss to Ballina Bears, Wilson was more than happy with the performances put in by the batting line-up, as it compiled 208 runs before being dismissed.

"We managed to stay alive for 90 overs trying to chase down 230 and just about everyone got a start," Terry Wilson said.

"All we need to do now is go on with it and I'm sure all the boys will be buoyed by their performances and do exactly that."

Three promising 16-year-olds, Ryan McCloy, Alec Williams and Caleb Ziebell, will play strong hands for Cudgen.

Alstonville will also go into the match below full strength, with wily spinner Steve Robb lost to the North Coast team.

"His absence will make the going a bit easier if we bat but they still have a solid bowling line-up, headed by Terry Murphy, so our blokes will need to be on their toes from the outset," Wilson said.