The Crabs need 34 runs to overcome the Cats and enter the Grassmere Cricket Association break on a positive note.

Hawkesdale was bundled out for 109 on day one, with Killarney sitting comfortably at 1-75 at stumps.

New recruit Joel Henry, a former Allansford player, is unbeaten on 51 and will return to the crease with Brendan Chatfield (15) when play resumes today.

Killarney skipper Brett Halliwell said Henry was a hard-hitting, right-hand batsman who had bolstered the Crabs’ top order.

“Joel has been great for Killarney this year,” he said.

“We lost Jamie Hore and he has been a great replacement.

“If you compare the two, I think we are well in front with Joel.”

Halliwell said with rain forecast it was important Killarney was aggressive in its chase.

“It looks like the weather could be a factor so we need the runs as quick as we can,” he said.

Halliwell said improvement from the Crabs’ younger players had helped them out of an early-season form slump.

“They are all training and (getting) more experience I think,” he said. “Peter Hickey has done a great job with them coaching the club.”

In other games, Wangoom must overcome Panmure’s imposing total to secure a surprise win.

The Bulldogs made 7-324 on day one.

Purnim is one wicket down in its battle with Yambuk.

The Bulls are 1-13 chasing the Buks’ 132.

Grassmere is 0-3 in its bid to overcome Mailors Flat’s 108.

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au