After a week of torrential downpours, third-finishers Orange City remain hopeful of taking to Wade Park in this weekend’s scheduled Orange District Cricket Association preliminary final against Cavaliers.

However, as it stands, it does seem somewhat unlikely.

“Obviously we want to play, desperately. Unfortunately slipping to third means if it gets washed out we will be eliminated, that’s on us for losing plenty before Christmas, but it’d still be a terrible way to bow out,” Orange City wicketkeeper Matt Findlay said.

“It’s been said a million times, but we can’t control the weather. We’re confident if he gets the chance (Wade Park curator) Bruce Cousins will give us the best deck possible, so we’ll just keep hoping he gets that chance and the rain stays away on the weekend.”

Findlay, a former Warriors skipper, is confident his side has what it takes to not just knock off Cavaliers but also go on to win the competition – if it gets the chance.

“All three teams left know they’re capable of winning it though. The two that missed out were capable of winning it, it comes down to which side handles the pressure of finals better,” he explained.

“It’s been that way all year, close and hard to pick. I think we’ve shown our absolute worst this summer but I don’t think we’ve hit the other end of that scale yet.

“The rain hasn’t done any sides any favours in terms of preparation, but we’re hoping we can produce our best against Cavaliers.”

Both sides have plenty of finals experience, and plenty of finals experience against the other.

“We have played Cavaliers plenty of times in finals, the nature of a five-team competition is there’s nothing to hide,” Findlay said.

“We know these guys, we know the way they bat and bowl and they know us from how often we meet.

“So executing plans to try and expose players’ weaknesses is crucial.”

Weather permitting, Saturday’s first day kicks off at 1pm and Sunday’s second starts at 11am.