WITH only one round of matches left to go in the North West Cricket Association Keith Stringer Shield competition, the Clarkefield Brumbies are in pole position to finish on top of the ladder and coach Chris Lewis says everything is going according to plan.
The Brumbies occupy top spot, followed closely by Donnybrook, and a win over bottom dwellers Sydenham/Hillside in the club's final match at the weekend should be enough to secure the spot and allow the side to head into the finals in great form.
"Hopefully, we can win that game and finish on top of the competition," Lewis said.
"We aren't thinking about the finals just yet and it is always dangerous playing against the bottom team when you're the top team.
"We need to concentrate on our game and show the same attitude we've shown all season long."
Although the Brumbies seem to be at the top of their game, Lewis believes his side's work with the bat needs to be improved substantially in time for the finals.
"Our bowling and fielding has been excellent and we held Taylors Lakes to just 81 runs but our batting has let us down at times this season," Lewis said.
"It is very important for us to build some good partnerships which we don't have at the moment but we'll have to work hard at it to get it right at the finals."
Looking ahead to the finals, Lewis highlights his two opening bowlers Matt Williams and Kevin Korp as the men who can "make the difference" for his side.
"Matthew Williams is the fastest bowler in the league and he along with Kevin Korp set the tone for the rest of the team and they'll be hugely important in the finals," Lewis said.
And on a personal level, Lewis hopes to win his first grand final in his last match as a player will do anything to prevent his side from "bombing out" in the first round.
"I've made it to semi-finals before and I don't want this side to bomb out before the final."