A depleted bowling line-up means Cundle will look to their batsmen to lead the charge during day one of two-day clash.

Tomorrow's top-of-the-table encounter will be Cundletown's first match without firey representative all-rounder Corey Shields, who has comlpeted a transfer to Taree West.

Top-order bat, Josh Ferris, said his Cundle side will also be without strike bowler Scott Saunders for the next two weeks.

"That's going to hurt us," Ferris said. "He's our main bowler at the moment, a big loss."

"We'll probably be going into the match a bowler short to tell you the truth."

Cundletown, who are yet to register a defeat this year, will enter tomorrow's match after enjoying a two-week bye. The side have shown formidable form in their wins over Taree Leagues, Taree West and Forster in earlier rounds. This will be their first meeting with the likewise undefeated Wingham since the two sides mt in last year's grand final.

Ferris said Cundle would have no hesitation in electing to bat first, barring a swift change in the weather.

"The strength of the side is our batting, so we'd love the chance to put a big score on the board and try and defend it," Ferris said.

"Dave Stone and Greg Stewart have been hitting the ball well, and (captain) Anthony Turner is due for a score too. He hasn't really had much batting this year, so I'm sure he's keen to get out into the middle."

A huge bonus for Cundletown is the capture of versatile keeper-batsman Ricky Campbell from Taree Leagues.

"That's a plus for us," Ferris said.

"Ricky is a solid batsmen, and we needed a keeper, so that definitely works in our favour."

The recruitment of leg spinner Greg Collins may also prove to be an X-factor for the 2007/08 premiers. Collins hasn't played for a few seasons, but Ferris believes he has the talent to become a handy asset.