The Mudlarks won their first seven games before falling to Colts by 25 runs at the weekend.

They will start as heavy favourites in their one-day match against the Saints.

Last season’s premiers have won just one match this season and sit on the bottom of the table.

Mudlarks all-rounder Brett McKenzie said his side was happy with its season so far.

‘‘We’re really content with where we are and we’re all enjoying our cricket,’’ he said.

‘‘We’ve got a few younger blokes coming through which has been fantastic for us.’’

Graeme Reddie has starred with 401 runs this season. Youngsters Shannon Reddie and Joe Gardy are also making their mark.

‘‘Shannon has been very impressive and young Joe played his first B Grade game at the weekend and took a couple of wickets,’’ McKenzie said.

The Saints have struggled this season, but skipper Brett Thompson said his side was looking forward to the challenge.

‘‘I think we’ll have three players coming back from A Grade,’’ he said.

‘‘In the past month or so our batting has improved – but we’ve struggled to get early wickets.

‘‘The key to beating Lubeck-Murtoa is getting early wickets.’’

Both Thompson and McKenzie said it was great to have a chance to play on the region’s premier ground.

‘‘Not many of us get to play on city oval, so I’m encouraging my guys to take it in and enjoy it,’’ Thompson said.

McKenzie said it was an exciting opportunity.

‘‘I feel a bit privileged,’’ he said.

Colts will be confident they can continue their winning form against Jung Tigers at Dudley Cornell Park.

Runs from skipper Brad Millar and wickets to Liam Jakobi and Jason Kannar have helped Colts to three consecutive wins.

They will face a Tigers side desperate to bounce back from consecutive defeats.

Quick-scoring middle-order batsman Anthony Redford found form at the weekend and will be pivotal to the Tigers posting a competitive total.

Rup-Minyip will look to hang onto second spot on the ladder when it takes on Blackheath-Dimboola at Dimboola Recreation Reserve.

Both sides scored convincing wins at the weekend.

The Blue Panthers’ strength this season has been a spread of contributors. Skipper Matt Downer has 309 runs and is enjoying an exceptional season.

The Bulls will need to strike early with the ball to claim the six points.