Sri Lankan import Jason Perera is set to bolster the Pirates’ top order on Saturday against Allansford in the final Twenty20 match before Christmas, providing some much-needed support for star opening batsman Aaron Williams.

Williams has had knocks of 45 and 67 to lead the association’s runs tally and Perera – a left-hand opening batsman – shapes as an invaluable addition to the Pirates’ batting line-up.

“We’ve really looked thin with our batting and just guys to bat around Aaron,” Port Fairy co-coach Kalon Wilkie said.

“Adding an experienced player like Jason around him will help.”

Injuries and player unavailabilities have bitten hard at Port Fairy, with Wilkie out for possibly another two-to-three weeks as he recovers from ankle surgery, while Brad Parsons is out for the season after needing surgery on his hamstring again.

Wilkie said the Pirates were down seven players from their full-strength line-up, with others unavailable for various reasons, including post-season footy trips.

East Warrnambool mentor Mark Murphy has backed emphatic batsman Mitch McLaughlin to evolve into the catalyst for the Broncos' longer-form cricket success.

McLaughlin, a former Camperdown captain, crossed to East at the beginning of the season but is yet to get a genuine run at Warrnambool and District Cricket Association bowlers with just one innings under his belt.

He posted eight not out in last Saturday's upset triumph over competition powerhouse Allansford, and is expected to line up for the Broncos final Twenty20 before Christmas against West Warrnambool today.

Murphy said the club’s three division one recruits – McLaughlin, Joel Henry and Anthony Martin – were settling in “brilliantly”.

“It almost feels as if they’ve been at the club for a couple of years. They’ve walked in and bonded and gelled really well together,” he said.

“Joel has played a fair bit down here earlier on in his career, Mitch has played a fair bit on turf in the South West Cricket Association while Anthony Martin has played representative cricket for the Grassmere Cricket Association.

“There’s a lot of talent amongst that core group of guys.”

Elsewhere, Russells Creek will seek to maintain its unbeaten start to the season with a victory over Wesley-CBC.

Brierly-Christ Church are set to lock horns with Dennington.

Also, an in-form Merrivale will take on Nestles, while Nirranda will face a tough task in the shape of reigning premier Woodford.