Crabs coach Peter Hickey said his side was looking forward to the match against the only other undefeated A grade team in Grassmere Cricket Association.

Purnim is emerging as a premiership contender  after toppling powerhouse Panmure last Saturday. 

That win confirmed the Bulls’ potential, which was boosted by a productive off-season that netted top-order batsman Bernie Harris and new coach, former Russells Creek quick Andrew Bridge.

Hickey said Killarney was expecting a tough encounter at Purnim Recreation Reserve..

“It’s certainly our toughest challenge to date,” Hickey said. “We will be looking for a strong showing. It will be a real gauge if we are in form or not.

“If they can beat Panmure, Panmure probably has the most credentialed list in the competition. If you can compete and beat Panmure you are in the (finals) game. If they (Purnim) match up against Panmure, they will match up against anyone.”

Hickey said Killarney’s side would include all but four of its premiership players from last season.

Despite opening the season with wins against Hawkesdale, Wangoom and Mailors Flat, Hickey said the Crabs could improve.

“We’ve been happy with what we’ve been doing but a real challenge will give us a gauge on how good our form is.” The Crabs will be without key paceman Brayden Buchanan for the next “two or three” weeks because of work commitments in New South Wales.

In other games, Wangoom will be looking to consolidate its place in the top four when it hosts Yambuk, Mailors Flat and Grassmere will be chasing their first wins of the season when they clash at Winslow and Hawkesdale takes on Panmure.