After finishing 2016-17 in second last, the Saints have been the big improvers so far this season as their mix of emerging talents and experienced campaigners has worked well.

Under the guidance of captain Adam Ryan, the Saints suffered just one loss through the one-day games and have remained on top of the ladder due to all three Saturdays of scheduled Twenty20 fixtures being washed-out.

But club secretary and publicity officer Brad Broes knows the points on offer in the two-day rounds, which commence this coming Saturday, could see big changes on that ladder.

Last season the Saints had two wins, two draws and a loss in those rounds.

“We are coming into the two-days rounds and I think that’s where the real test starts,” Broes said.

“But we have been doing pretty well. We haven’t played as much cricket as we would’ve liked, but two of our three wins have been bonus-point wins and they came against Rugby and Oberon and both those sides are pretty decent.

“Rhino [Adam Ryan] has been good ever since he’s come back. The difference is that he’s not coming in at 5-30, those guys like Nic Broes and Connor Slattery are taking the pressure off him so he can play the way he wants to play.

“All the junior boys are stepping up.”