Easybeats in recent seasons, Shellharbour have more to offer this campaign and stunned last season's finalists with a two-run victory last weekend.

The win was Shellharbour's first of the season and has given the club a lift in confidence heading into today's clash against Kiama and tomorrow's clash against premiers Lake Illawarra.

"Getting a win, especially against a good side like Albion Park, is just what we needed," Shellharbour skipper Chris Halloran said.

"We've been competitive in most games and, importantly, have made enough runs to stay in games.

"There's been lean times here for a while, but we think there's some good times approaching.

"Probably the difference this season is the young guys have a little bit more experience and know what to expect from first grade.

"Winning gives us confidence and there's no reason why we can't go on with it from here."

Young paceman Mitchell Phelps, along with first-change bowler Beau Chamberlain and top-order batsman Pat Moulton, have played key roles in Shellharbour's improvement this season.

Shellharbour have an excellent chance to claim back-to-back wins when they take on struggling Kiama this afternoon at Tom Willoughby Oval.

Both clubs will fancy their chances and Kiama will be desperate for a first win of the campaign.

Shellharbour back up tomorrow again at home to Lake Illawarra, the Lakers heading into the weekend in equal third spot (51 points) with Albion Park.

The Park will be without up to five key players for this weekend's tough double-header against Warilla this afternoon and Oak Flats tomorrow.

Park skipper Paul Schofield said Graeme Smith had a toe injury, while Clint McKenzie, Brett Baldwin and Jess Hancock will miss the Warilla game.

Hancock will be back to take on Oak Flats, but spinner Adam Sharp is unavailable for that game.

After the shock loss to Shellharbour last weekend, Schofield said his batsmen needed to take more responsibility.

"Our shot selection was poor against Shellharbour," he said "We need to bat a lot better."

In other round-seven games today, Lake host Gerringong and Oak Flats are at home to improving Jamberoo, who have beaten Shellharbour and Kiama this season. Jamberoo back up tomorrow at home to Gerringong, while The Rail host Warilla.

Ladder (after round six): Oak Flats 58, The Rail 53, Albion Park 51, Lake Illawarra 51, Warilla Sports 46, Gerringong 39, Jamberoo 39, Shellharbour 24, Kiama 17.