In their first season in the higher grade, the Warriors will be in for a tough battle with nothing separating the top sides.

Club secretary Jeff Hubbard said: "It will be no easy task to win the finals as every team is so close.

"We are in there, so we will need to play some of our best cricket to win." In a competition so close, it's the Warriors' strength to win the close matches that will be their biggest advantage.

The Warriors have made more than 200 only twice during the season and have had to work hard for their wins, which might work in their favour.

Hubbard believes that former Victorian Premier Cricket player and now club captain-coach Michael Butera will be the key to finals success. "Michael is one of the top scorers in the competition, so we need him to get some runs," Hubbard said of Butera, who is averaging 53.75.

"Ben Walker, our all-rounder, has supported him well with both bat and ball and needs to continue that role.

"Young bowler Aaron Smillie will also be important in finals."

One of the teams trying to stop Westmeadows in the north division is Greenvale, whose ability with the bat has it well placed for a tilt at the flag. Led by star recruit Dale McDonald who is averaging 51 and Andrew Pizaro, 52, the side has five players among the top 15 averages in the competition with the bat. Even more impressive is the side has only lost 48 wickets in the first 10 rounds, 28 less than the next best.

McDonald is also leading the club's bowling with 26 wickets, the second best in the competition.

Having lost in the semi-finals last year to eventual premier Keilor Park in north A1 division, the club is "definitely hoping that we can go better than last season", secretary Ken Hutchinson said.

McDonald will be the star as Greenvale enters the finals, but the side has a number of players it can rely on.

"McDonald, Matt Innes, Jon Kent and Glen Courts have all been playing well with the bat, while Pizaro, Michael Jones and Matthew Livingstone ... should all get some wickets," Hutchinson said.