Kiama skipper Nathan Barr believes the Cavaliers are ready to challenge for finals again after coming through a testing 2015-16 campaign and welcoming back some old heads for the new season.
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Kiama had the bye for the opening round, but get the chance to test themselves for the first time against Lake Illawarra in round two at Howard Fowles Oval.
Lake were the two-day premiers and one-day runners-up last season.
They started this campaign with a loss against The Rail.
The Cavaliers went through 2015-16 without a win when first grade was only a five team competition.
They’ve welcomed back Matt O’Brien and Randall Starr in 2016-17 and expect the pair to play a crucial role for the club this season.
“We can always use a bit more experience for the young guys,” Barr said.
“We are coming up really well for the season.”
With Shellharbour and Gerringong back in the top grade, Barr is expecting stiff competition in 2016-17.
But the batsman says the Cavaliers still have a return to the post-season on their radar.
“Semi finals are absolutely our target,” he said.
“It was a tough year last year but the guys are definitely better for that experience.
“It has definitely made us stronger and with that little bit of experience and some quality back, we are definitely want to make the semis this year.
“Once we are there, anything can happen.”
Kiama will meet a Lake side determined to bounce back from an opening round loss.
The Rail set the premiers 152 to win, but Lake stumbled and could only manage 137 in reply.
Barr remained cautious of his opposition and hoped the Cavaliers could build some much needed momentum in their opener.
“They have been a consistently strong team for a number of years now. We won’t focus on any one individual because if you do that some else will step up,” the captain said.
“We will want to get into a rhythm and hopefully knock off Lake.
“The guys have been working hard at training and are all ready for the weekend.
“We want to turn up and give a good account of ourselves.
“Hopefully it all goes well.”
In other matches, The Rail will look to continue their winning start when they play Shellharbour at Croome Cricket Oval.
Unbeaten Oak Flats and Kookas face-off at Geoff Shaw Oval.
Gerringong, who lost last week to Kookas, have the weekend off.