However, their top order will have to fire after PCH/Glendon (9/193) pulled off a thrilling win over Creeks (10/192) in Saturday’s preliminary final. The amalgamated team’s experienced players came to the fore and proved the difference in the tight game. With Greg Thrift (43&3/19) and Daniel Oldknow (65no) putting in match winning performances. Singleton District Cricket Association (SDCA) president, Daniel Storey, says although Valley are the favourites, there is not much separating the two sides – and depending on the weather it could come down to the coin toss.

Storey who will actually line up for Valley in the decider says their top order batsmen – like Nathan Levy and Simon White - need to step up.

“Our top seven or eight need to score a lot of runs,” he says. “During the season we have relied on Jacob Carey to get the runs but a few other guys could really be the difference for us,” he says.

Conversely when it comes to the opposition’s prospects, he identifies Dan Oldknow and Jackson Cox as the danger men – especially after Oldknow’s superb performance in the preliminary final. Storey says his innings was fantastic. “Dan showed patience, timed everything perfectly, and really kept it together,” he explains. In the bowling department, Greg and Daniel Thrift will again need to execute if they are a chance of causing another upset.

Meanwhile testament to the strength of the Valley Cricket Club, they are taking on JPC in the second grade encounter. Storey says Valley did well to overcome minor premiers, Creeks, in the semi-final and advance straight through to the big one. While JPC (10/123) defeated Creeks (10/90) on Saturday to book their spot in the grand-final. Storey says the loss of their middle order rock, Josh Whittington, really hurt Creeks. But credit should be given to youngster Andrew Knox (35) who came up from third grade to open for JPC with the experienced Ashley Borg (31). “He was really impressive and showed great patience,” Story explains. “The top order will be key for JPC as their bottom order failed, and Valley have a strong bowling attack.”  He also praised JPC’s “old heads” when it came to the side’s bowling attack. Describing Gregg Dann (3/10) as unplayable, and Andy Thomas (5/28) as keeping up the intensity and inspiring his team to keep fighting. In third grade, Storey predicts minor premiers Denman will overcome Creeks.  “Unless the out-of-form Jake Palmer fires for Creeks,” he says.