The reigning premiers will look to bounce back from a disappointing first round loss to Swifts-Great Western.

Buangor failed to chase down the target of 144 set by the Combine in the first game of the season. 

Buangor captain Chris Jerram said his side hurt itself by making mistakes.

“Dropped catches didn’t help us last week,” he said.

“We had a fair few numbers out as well.”

Jerram was a shining light in the loss, scoring 42 runs.

“Obviously it didn’t get us over the line but it is nice to get a good score early on,” he said.

“The main focus is winning games.”

Buangor will recall crucial players including opening batsmen Lachlan Oddie and Jack Fraser as well as opening bowler Peter Latham.

There will also be a number of omissions from last weeks team however.

Jerram will be the biggest out, while Callum Baker and Jacob Bates will also miss the game due to being unavailable. 

“We will struggle with numbers coming in and out right up until Christmas I think,” Jerram said.

“The main aim before the break is to win as many games as we can which might be difficult with our team changing frequently.” 

Latham will fill in as captain in Jerram’s absence. 

“Peter is a great cricketer and it is good to have him back in the team,” Jerram said.

“I know he will lead the boys well on Saturday.”

Aradale began its season with a win but was tested by the newly promoted Navarre side last weekend. 

It will be looking to avenge the close grand final loss suffered earlier in the year, after giving away a first innings lead to go down by three wickets.

Jerram said he believes the rivalry between the two clubs will be bigger than ever following the grand final. 

“From the very first delivery I think the rivalry will definitely be there,” he said.

“Winning the grand final by such a slight margin has probably given them an added desire so I’m sure they will come out firing at us.”

Jerram said the message for his team will be the same as every week.

“We will hope to set a good total and take early wickets,” he said.

“We need to build pressure for their batsmen by fielding well and taking our catches too.

“The other important thing for our guys is for them to continue to enjoy it.

“Obviously our focus is on winning games but we want to make sure we are having fun while doing so.”