South Perth opening batsman Chris Rogers has been awarded the next Western Warriors State player contract, following the recent retirement of champion all rounder Brendon Julian.

Rogers has played seven 1st class games for WA so far in his career, scoring 133 runs at an average of 12.09. Last season in the Sunsmart League he made 465 runs at 35.77 from 13 innings, after making the move over to Richardson Park from James Oval. Rogers also held a State player contract last season.

Michael Dighton, currently playing for Excelsior '20 in the Dutch 1st class League, has decided not to renew his playing contract with the Western Warriors and pursue his 1st class cricket career playing for the Tasmanian Tigers.

Dighton has played eleven 1st class games for WA since making his debut in 1997, scoring 605 runs at an average of 35.59. The highlight of his career so far is the 182no he scored against Queensland at the WACA ground during season 1999-2000.

Western Warriors Coach Michael Veletta said that while the WACA was disappointed that Michael Dighton had chosen not to renew his contract with the Warriors, everyone wished him every successes for his cricketing future in Tamania.

In Tasmania Dighton will renew partnership with his former Scarborough club coach Darrin Ramshaw. Ramshaw will be entering into his second season as assistant coach of the Tasmanian Tigers and Greg Shipperd, another former WA & Scarborough player, will be entering into his eleventh season as coach.

© 2001 Western Australian Cricket Association