The Buks play Purnim in a fifth-versus-third Grassmere Cricket Association showdown today.

Barker admitted the first two-day fixture of the season was a “tough gig”.

But he believes Yambuk has shown early season promise and can build — if it can become a more dangerous bowling threat. 

“We are batting OK but need to pick up our bowling and fielding,” Barker said.

“We’re lacking a couple of steady bowlers to bowl line and length.”

Barker said Yambuk was chasing the leading pack.

“Purnim, Panmure and Killarney are the teams to beat,” he said. “They are a bit ahead of the others at the moment.

“It is pretty tight around fourth and fifth spots. 

“If we can knock off top sides so to speak it will go a long way.

“Our one-day form was not too bad.

“We are 3-4 now and have had a lot of players out so hopefully we get them back to push other sides.

“It is important to beat sides around us if we want to make the finals, of course.”

Yambuk batting trio Steve Gleeson, Kevin Watts and Colin Harwood have steered the Buks to early season wins.

Barker said they had all provided a spark at the top of the order.

“Gleeson has not been as dominant as he was but is still a major player.

“Kevin is having a good year, he’s our best bat this year and Colin is doing well,” he said.

“Kevin’s been steady and works his way into innings and two-dayers might suit him more.

“He’ll get more time to bat his way in.”

In other fixtures, top-placed Panmure can consolidate its spot with a win against lowly Grassmere, Hawkesdale faces a challenge against in-form Killarney and Wangoom will go in favourite against bottom-placed Mailors Flat.

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au