The Bulldogs were bowled out for just 78 on the first day of play, with Lake Albert captain and wrecking-ball Brett Davies tearing through their batting line-up to claim nine scalps in the innings.

However, Wagga RSL managed to recover from their collapse to restrict Lake Albert to nine for 90 at the end of the day's play.

Bulldogs captain-coach Paul Watson said they will need to lift their game tomorrow to have a chance of winning.

"We were extremely disappointed with the way we batted last weekend, but our bowling was pretty good," said Watson. "Davies bowled really sharp, and bowled to the conditions.

"We are just going to start over again on Saturday and forget last week, there is no need for excuses.

"I think we just have to finish them off quickly, then go out and try to get some runs on the board.

"They just got on top of us early, Davies was able to take advantage of the moist wicket and got four quick wickets which shocked us a bit."

Wagga RSL are without captain Ethan Bartlett for the match, as well as quick bowler Tim Cameron and injured middle-order batsman Will Silver, who will miss the remainder of the season.

Watson said while Cameron will be back for the finals next week, Bartlett is still in doubt with other commitments on his plate.

The Bulldogs still sit on top of the premiership ladder, well clear of South Wagga and Lake Albert, who are locked in a battle for second spot.

Watson said the team will be looking to improve their batting before the finals.

"We will need to improve our batting after the weekend," he said.

"We were missing a few players, but we need to get used to these adjustments.

"Our batting has been good all season, so hopefully this was just a one-off thing.

"Dave McCann batted extremely well on the weekend, he held his end up all day and was there until the end.

"Luke Oakley also bowled extremely well."