Woodford will try to defend its Warrnambool and District cricket one-day flag against Russells Creek – a team playing in its first major division one final – at Avery’s Paddock on Sunday.

Creek captain Cam Williams credits his side’s new faces for driving its climb up the rankings this summer, in what he hopes is the start of a new era of success.

“We’ve had an influx of new faces in the group that are quality cricketers and just added a lot of depth around the club,” he said.

“Coming against the two-time reigning premiers in Woodford, they’re going to be a tough challenge, but hopefully we can knock them off.

“It’ll just be a stepping stone to bigger things towards the end of the season. We’ve got plans in place not just for this year, but in years to come. We want to turn into a club like Woodford … and be a powerhouse for years to come.”

Eels captain Nick Butters said while preparations hadn’t gone exactly to plan – training was washed out on Thursday night – he backed in the form his side has shown to get the job done.

“I think our batting has been really good – we’ve sort of consistently made 200 most weeks,” he said.

“But in saying that, our bowlers have bowled really well. I think their (Creek’s) key is their batting, so I think it’ll come down to our bowlers and what total they can restrict them to.”