BASEBALL
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Northern Pirates and Dapto Chiefs couldn't ask for better preparation for next weekend's major semi-final than to meet at Dalton Park on Saturday in the final round of the season.
Pirates clinched the minor premiership with a cricket score 30-2 demolition of Shoalhaven Mariners, while Chiefs locked up second spot without playing last weekend, as Wests Cardinals stumbled 7-5 to Berkeley.
Eagles' third win of the season sealed fourth spot.
It has been a stop-start season for all clubs, following a wet winter and Kiama Braves' late withdrawal from first grade.
But Chiefs and Pirates have been the hardest hit by a lack of regular baseball and will relish a tough clash on the eve of the finals.
Both clubs will want a win, but also mindful the real prize is next Saturday with a place in the grand final on offer.
In Saturday's other first-grade match, Cards host Mariners at Cringila Field, with both wanting to improve on a sub-par effort last weekend.
Cards have the offensive weapons to win the premiership and will want a big win before facing Eagles in the elimination semi-final.
Mariners are just hoping last Saturday's shocker against Pirates is not repeated. Nobody wants to see a team score 13 runs in an innings. Eagles have the round 20 bye.
Ladder: (Wins, losses, draws): Pirates (10-1-1); Chiefs (7-2-1); Cardinals (6-5-1); Eagles (3-9-1); Mariners (1-10-0).