Stone was the leading run scorer in A-grade this season with 476 at 36.62.

However, he was out of touch in the games leading into the semi-finals, including a double failure against Wingham last match.

But Turner is confident this was just a hiccup.

“Stonie’s a big match player - he’s been there plenty of times before,’’ Turner said.

“And to be honest he’s been out to some pretty good catches in the last couple of games. They either stick or they don’t and they stuck. His form isn’t a worry.’’

Stone is set to play a major role in the game as he was also the leading wicket taker for the season, finishing with 39.

Cundletown can secure a third successive grand final berth by accounting for Taree Leagues.

Either a win or a draw will be enough for the minor premiers to earn a saloon passage through to the decider.

Cundletown and Wingham were the popular elect to fight out the grand final at season’s start. However, Turner said he isn’t surprised to be playing Leagues in the major semi.

“They’ve been the form team in the past few weeks,’’ he said.

“They probably should be the favourites for this weekend.’’

He nominated Mark Chicken as the danger player for Leagues.

“Chicko can score quickly and then get a few wickets. Josh Meldrum’s another - he can get 50 in five overs.’’

Turner said Cundletown will be at full strength for the clash.

He concedes the side’s batting remains something of a concern. Cundletown’s middle order collapsed last week and they were eight down before they overhauled Wingham’s moderate tally of 119.

In the last clash against Leagues they were cruising to victory but struck the wobbles when they lost a couple of wickets in quick succession.

“We seem to either get them or we don’t,’’ Turner said.

“Hopefully we’ll get them this week.’’

But he did agree that Cundletown has been fortunate this season in that Stone and fellow opener Josh Ferris have generally given the side a solid foundation. Ferris finished second to Stone on the list of run gatherers, compiling 417 at 46.33.

Turner will bat first if given the option at the toss.

“We’ll look to bat out our overs and put enough runs on the board to put them out of the game,’’ he said.

In the last match against Leagues Turner backed himself to make a century on the second day. He was dismissed for 17.

He wasn’t making any rash predictions going into this match.