A SUDDEN-death semi-final has both Lake Albert and St Michaels on edge for this weekend's match at the Wagga Cricket Ground.
Both teams come into the game with good form but one mistake could mean the end of the season.
In its only two-day clash this season Lake Albert romped to a 73-run win in December.
On the day, young all-rounder Dean Crane starred with the bat, making 71 runs, before destroying the St Michaels line-up by taking seven wickets for 16 runs.
A good start tomorrow will be vital for both sides keen to stay alive in the race for the Wagga Cricket Association title.
Lake Albert opening batsman Isaac Cooper backed his side to get the jump on their rivals.
"It should be a great game but our bowlers have been in excellent form and our batsmen scored more than 200 in the second-last game," he said.
"Bowling is probably our strength and I'd back the boys, led by Brett Davies, to get us over the line.
"Matt Scott is another that is due and has been hitting form at the right end of the season."
Both sides had their respective matches washed out last weekend and will be well-rested coming into the match.
St Michaels captain Scott Honeyman said Lake was a dark horse for the premiership but that didn't mean his side would roll over.
"We're very consistent across the team but we'll need to improve our batting," he said.
"The middle order will need to step up and help set a target that our bowlers can defend."
Honeyman singled out Cameron Suidgeest and Ian Donohue as two players who had been consistent performers that could step up and dominate the match.
Umpires for the match will be Tony Hackett and Jack Jolley.