The Hornets have been towards the top of the ladder all season but last season’s runners-up often struggled for form and a consistent lineup.

But since the turn of the year the side has played some better cricket, having beaten both CYMS and Rugby before slumping to a loss against Macquarie.

The side was also under the pump against Colts before day two of last round’s match was cancelled due to heat.

Souths has named a strong squad for the two-day clash with Newtown, with almost all of the side’s big guns in.

Mitch Bower, Henry Railz, Will Lindsay, Greg Rummans, Adam Wells, Scott Tucker and Mat Finlay are all in and all will be key against a Newtown side pushing to keeps its finals hopes alive.

The Tigers are just outside the top three but play runaway leaders Colts in the final round, meaning a win in this clash is almost a necessity.

Newtown was set to chase 300 last round before the cancellation while prior to that the Mat Skinner-led side had scored a much-needed win over CYMS.

Skinner, as always, will be key while top order bat Wayne Dunlop will also be keen on spending some time in the middle having reestablished himself in the side since the New Year.

The Tigers will be keen on developing some more consistency with the ball, as Rugby piled the runs on last time out, just a week after the attack had rolled CYMS for 115.

Plays starts at 1pm.