ULLADULLA United is now just one win away from qualifying for the Shoalhaven District Cricket Association two-day final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Standing in their way is Bomaderry, a team they haven't beaten in the two-day format this season.
But that doesn't faze United skipper Aaron Wester, who knows his side finished second for a reason.
"Finishing in the top-two is a fantastic feeling and achievement for all the hard work we've put in - the team is very pleased with the result," Wester said.
"But finals are sudden death, so we need to turn up and play well if we want to progress to the final.
Related content: Magpies secure home final by defeating Norths
"We have been more consistent in comparison to our previous two seasons but we know there's always room for improvement - which we will need to do over the weekend."
Although United hasn't beaten Bomaderry in the longer form, they did get the better of the Tigers in both one-day fixtures.
"Bomaderry plays very aggressive cricket and come after the bowlers, which can work for them or against them," Wester said.
"Especially their top-six batsmen, who are as dangerous as any in the competition.
"We know we need to bowl sharply and not give to many easy runs away, otherwise there batting line-up could put on a big score against us.
"I'm confident our bowlers can stick to the plan and limit their impact on the match."
Related content: Bay chalk up outright victory against Tigers
With star all-rounder Conrad Greenshields heading back to the Netherlands, Wester will be counting on others to step up at Lighthouse Oval.
"Brad Field will be a crucial player with the bat for us - at the top of the order, he has the ability to take on the new ball and get us off to a strong start," he said,
"Also Alex Baccarini in the middle order will be key.
"If he can get set at the crease and build some solid partnerships, I'm confident we can produce a big total."
While not getting too far ahead of themselves, Wester knows his whole team want to end United two-day grand final drought, which dates back to the 2004/05 season.
"Making the final would mean a great deal to us all here in the group, as it's been so long between appearances for the club," he said.
"We have a number of players now that have been playing first grade for a couple of years and are just starting to find their feet.
Related content: Coronavirus hands Gilkes' NSW Blues the Sheffield Shield title
"I'm hoping they continue to build on their strong season and fire on Saturday and Sunday, to help get us over the line."
The winner of this semi-final will take on either Berry-Shoalhaven Heads, who have already taken home the one-day and Twenty20 premierships, or Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens in the grand final.
Play at both Lighthouse Oval and the Berry Sports Complex starts at 1pm on Saturday and 10.30am on Sunday.