Shellharbour captain Ned Taylor has declared his side is ready to hit the ground running in Saturday's crucial two-day clash with Lake Illawarra.
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The top-of-the-table affair comes after a frustrating start to the year, rain playing havoc with the past month of matches.
With so little cricket played lately, Taylor said the match will play an important role in preparing his side for the semi-finals.
"This match is so crucial," Taylor said. "It's really important in the big scheme of things, we're looking to build a bit of moment.
"First place is first place, everyone strives for that, but it's not the be all and end all, top two is just as important.
"Having played limited cricket since the turn of the year, with only two rounds left, this week is about finding our feet again. The bowlers can get some overs under their belt and the batsmen can spend some time in the middle."
Lake Illawarra hold a slight advantage over Shellharbour this season, the Lakers claiming two of the three clashes between the sides.
Taylor is confident, however, his team can prevail if they win the big moments.
"Consistency and patience is the key to beating Lake. Being able to pinpoint those particular battles, particular moments and targeting particular players in their order with the ball or with the bat.
"We need to make good with our opportunities and then it's trying to negate and take away their strengths as much as you can."
Saturday will also see The Rail host Oak Flats in another crucial clash and Albion Park take on Kookas.
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