While Colts were defeated by St Pat’s Old Boys last weekend, ORC’s win over Centennials were just enough for Colts to cling onto fourth spot.

But it doesn’t get any easier for Colts, as they are now up against the dominant force of cricket in Bathurst for the past decade – Bathurst City.  

It’s a do or die scenario for both teams, as the loser will be knocked-out of the finals, while the winner will progress to play the loser of Rugby Union and St Pat’s. 

The situation for Colts is simple and when skipper Matt Stephen was asked about needs to happen if his team wants to get the win, it was a simple game plan. 

“Score runs. It’s pretty simple,” he said.

“It’s what’s let us down the past three games. That’s our one area that we fall short and it hurts us pretty bad.

“It’s the hard job all year to get into the top four. We were very lucky and results went our way. Hopefully we can get in, knuckle day and make the most of our chances.” 

Colts will have to be on their game against a Redbacks team that is stacked with stars including Trent Hemsworth, Mark Day, Joey Coughlan, skipper Matt Willis and Ben Orme. 

“They’ve got a lot of good players in that team, experienced players like Benny Orme with the ball,” Stephen said.

“They’ve actually got a couple of young players that have stepped up for them lately, like young Rory [Daburger]. 

“From one to 11, anything can happen on the day.”

Stephen said finals cricket can be a completely different game but is focused on doing the little things right. 

“It’ll be up to whoever turns up on the day with the right mindset, does the little things right,” he said.

“It may be an old cliche but catches win matches but it’s so true. Last time we played Redbacks I think we dropped six catches. You’re not going to win if you drop that many catches.”  

Colts will be missing Jacob Bognuda on both days, who’s been described by Stephen as one of Colts’ “strike bowlers”. 

“However, we’ve got replacements knocking on the door, who really want to be playing ones,” he said.

The fixture between Colts and Redbacks has been one recently more suited to the final game of the season, with both teams contesting the deciding match in both the 2014-15 and 2015-16 season with both teams winning one title each.

However, with several teams upping their game this season, it’s the first time in seven seasons where neither Redbacks and Colts have not managed to make the top two. 

Play starts at 1.30pm, on both Saturday and Sunday, at Morse Park 1.