With the South Coast Crew having withdrawn from the competition, the Flames will face Orana and Central West in a double-header on Sunday. With rain forecast for Bathurst on Sunday, a cloud does currently hang over the event. 

Should the games go ahead, a place in the finals to be played at the SCG on December 2 is on the line. 

“It’s not often that an opportunity to play on the SCG presents itself,” Illawarra captain Mitchell Hearn said. “The goal of the weekend is to win both games and qualify for the final at the SCG. I will be asking the guys to leave it all on the field.”

The Flames, which incorporates the Illawarra and Highlands, head into the tournament confident after a successful hit out between Illawarra and Highlands in last week’s Burns Cup. 

This year marks Illawarra’s first year in the western-NSW-based Thunder pool after a conference realignment, with Orana the defending champions after a heavily rain-affected 2017 edition.

Having grown up in Mudgee, Hearn is familiar with the talent on display in the state’s west and he knows Illawarra must be at their best to topple their rivals. 

“We’re a stronger bowling team, so we’ll be looking to dominate with the ball. An area I think we can put pressure on the western teams is in the field. We’re a young, energetic team and that counts for plenty, especially in T20 cricket.”