Yet South Dubbo’s Angus Norton still believes the sixth-placed Hornets have what it takes to beat RSL Colts when they face off at Victoria Park No 1 Oval on Saturday.

“Both times we’ve played them, we’ve been in positions to win the game and then we’ve lost it,” he said.

In their last meeting on December 8, the Hornets efforts with the ball and in the field had Colts in trouble at 9-151.

But the resistance showed by tail enders Rhys Beauchamp (40) and Bede Young (17) delivered Colts what would prove to be a winning total: 215.

In response Souths managed 189, a total that – had they finished off Colts’ tail sooner – would have won them the game.

“That was a game we should have won,” Norton said.

“In the field we really need to take our catches. That’s something that has really hurt us this year.

“Hopefully we can right those wrongs, put the foot on the throat and really finish it.”

Norton admitted the Hornets’ form this season had been disappointing in the Saturday competition – they featured in last year’s final against eventual winners Rugby.

And with more than 40 points separating them from the top three, they’re playing for pride.

But in the Friday night McDonalds Megahit Twenty20 competition, they have all but locked in a finals berth.

Norton urged a conscious team effort to spend more time at the crease.

“We’ve probably got to bat longer in the one and two dayers,” he said.

“We all seem to be getting quick 20s and in the T20 that’s great but in long games you need to bat longer.

“Wes Giddings has been batting really well against us so we’ve got to try and get him out, but they’re a pretty well-rounded team, so it’s going to be a hard one to win.”