Batting, an area Rees thought his side would dominate this season, has been the biggest disappointment. 

“We’ve got plenty of depth in our batting,’’ Rees said.

“But at the moment it’s been left to one or two players to get the runs, we’re not consistent.

“If we ever get it all together we’ll be hard to beat.’’

Rees added last week’s effort against United way typical. Wingham restricted the vaunted United batting lineup to 133 after a great effort in the field and by the bowlers, but lost eight wickets in the chase.

Wingham will be at home to Taree West tomorrow in the final game before the Christmas break. As ever they’ll have a couple of players unavailable but Rees assured the replacements are capable.

Top order batsmen Ben Cole has had a lean campaign, but Rees is confident he will turn that around, especially when the big matches approach. Rees hopes that he’s also on the verge sizable total.

“I made a 40 odd a couple of weeks ago, then 77 the next game and 30 odd last week,’’ he said.

“But it would be good to go on and make a big score.’’

Rees agreed that Taree West skipper Josh Meldrum is the player who looms as his side’s biggest obstacle tomorrow.

“Josh McLeod’s a good cricketer too,’’ he added.

“He provides a bit of X-Factor.’’

Rees is reluctant to single out the side he believes has been the best Wingham’s played so far, pointing out that a couple of washouts earlier in the season make it hard to get a real guide.

“So far they’ve all been much of a muchness,’’ he said.

“United’s probably been the strongest side on paper, but they didn’t really fire.’’

Wingham’s game against second placed Port Pirates was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of wet weather.

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“We played them first-up next year,’’ Rees said.

“So that’ll be a great way to start.’’

In other games tomorrow third placed Wauchope plays Port Leagues, in fifth spot at Wauchope. Second placed Port Pirates will be at home at Oxley Oval against Kempsey side Rovers while wooden spoon contenders Macquarie hosts Kempsey team Nulla at Wayne Ricahrds Oval at Port Macquarie.

United has the bye.