KOORINGAL has received an early Christmas present with the return of fast bowler Adam Skow.

Skow will return to first grade after a long injury lay-off to take on Lake Albert at the Wagga Cricket Ground on Saturday.

He played second grade last week, taking 3-21, and captain Keenan Hanigan was more than happy to bring him back into the first grade fold.

"Obviously Adam is a genuine first grade player that has been with us for a few years now and just coming back from a knee injury," Hanigan said.

"He's had a game in seconds and I'm more than happy to put him into first grade this week - he's a class player."

Skow has been back training for a month, slowly working back to full fitness and with one-day match seemed like the perfect time to return to first grade.

Not only will Skow's return bolsters the Colts bowling attack, Hanigan believes his inclusion can help the lower order batting effort.

"It strengthens our bowling once again," Hanigan said.

"I think we've bowled well all year but it just gives another option to opening the bowling with and even strengthens our lower order batting as he can stick around a get a few runs too."

Lake Albert have started to hit form in the last month and Hanigan knows the Colts will have a tough test to remain on top of the ladder for the Christmas break.

The two teams met in a two-day match in round four, with the Bulls falling 18 runs short of their target of 196.

"We played then about a month ago and it was a close match and they seem to be growing as a team and getting a few wins on board," Hanigan said.

"It will be a tough match and I think both teams would like to win before Christmas which will make it an interesting game."

After last week's win over Wagga City Kooringal have moved to first place, and after missing finals last season it's a position Hanigan wants to stay in.

"To win this game and be on top going into the break would be a massive boost for us going into the last few rounds after Christmas," he said.

"It's a crucial game for us as a win will see us on top of the ladder and get us the extra motivation to finish the year off well."

Lake Albert has only made one change with James Cimador replacing co-coach Keith Finemore behind the stumps.