The RSL-Colts will be facing down an unfamiliar prospect heading into the next round of the McDonald's Megahit.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The runner ups of the 2018 - 2019 competition will not only be the underdogs in the Friday night clash, but fighting with their backs against the wall for a slim chance at keeping their finals berth alive.
If that pressure wasn't enough, the T20 match could well be one of the final games of cricket played this year, with heatwave conditions looming large and threatening to cancel the rest of the week's Whitney Cup fixtures.
READ ALSO:
The RSL-Colts enter the clash with the top of the ladder Macquarie Cricket Club situated in the fifth spot, after Newtown were able to squeak past with a win over South Dubbo in last week's round four opener.
If the RSL-Colts can cause an upset on Friday, they'll be level with Newtown, Rugby and the CYMS Cougars on points, and will need another win in the fifth and final round against the Cougars to book a spot in the finals.
No easy feat as despite being in second place, the Cougars have put up some of the best stats across the ladder in the competition this year.
Despite the daunting task, Colts captain Marty Jeffery is optimistic about how his young, largely untested side will perform after seeing them make large strides throughout the competition's first four rounds.
"The really good thing about this season for me, and being captain of such a young side, is I've been really happy with how we've improved every game, we started off not that great and then we spoke about that that we need to work on and we came back and got a good win," Jeffery said.
"I think the side we are now is completely different from when we played our first game."
Jeffery says that the missing ingredient for his struggling side has been their confidence, noting that some of the side's talent this year were strong performers in the junior grades and are still adjusting.
"Confidence has been a massive thing for our younger players, a lot of them haven't played against these top grade players before," Jeffery said.
"I think some of them are putting their hand up now and stating to express their real talent."
Jeffery also expects the much touted heatwave expected to hit this weekend as a factor that could play in the younger squad's favour.
"It's going to be hot, there's no doubt about that, but we're pretty young and we're used to it, so the heat will probably give us a little advantage."
The round five fixture between the RSL-Colts and Macquarie is set for 6.30pm, Friday in Victoria Park.