But when Damon Cooper is at the crease, they're a godsend.

The Russells Creek batsman knows he's focused with adrenaline in his system.

Cooper is enjoying an extended run in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association outfit's division one side after a stint in division two and three.

No player likes to be dropped, but the form-finding exercise paid dividends. Cooper rediscovered his mojo - which he describes as early innings nerves - and can his feel his game improving as a result.

"When I went down to division two it was about getting some confidence back. I had a few crap runs and (coach Andrew Thomson) said go back and get your confidence back," he said.

"It's worked well. I think you have to be confident but you tend to watch the ball a bit closer when you have a few nerves.

"You can't be too confident. You see guys who walk out and bat like that and are playing shots way too early without getting themselves in or having a look at the pitch or bowlers.

"I think I was at a stage where I was coming out thinking 'I'll be right' and wasn't nervous at all. I think it went downhill from there. I was nicking off a bit.

"When I went back to division two and three I had a few good games and the nerves came back. I can play myself in a bit now."

Cooper said Creek's looming two-day fixture against Dennington on Saturday was an essential lead-in to finals.

Creek could finish as high as second but as low as fourth. A second-place finish would allow the Jetty Flat-based club the choice of which ground hosts its semi-final bout.

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"I'm excited. It's been a bit harder for our batsmen to get going with one-dayers. I think we saw that in times against Woodford this past week," he said.

"We reckon we're a two-day side. We have the time to get ourselves in that way.

"We have the flexibility to come in and throw the ball to different people and you'll see that we've changed our batting order quite a few times this season as well. That's really working out for us."

Cooper said personal confidence was high leading into finals and felt his teammates would agree.

"We've got a lot of players who thrive under pressure. Jimmy Elford is one who can flick a switch, same with Cam Williams, same with Matt Petherick," he said.

"Even Timmy Ryan is coming through all right. He's been up and bowling quick lately.

"I think we'll thrive under pressure and we're confident but it's about keeping a level head leading into finals as well."

Creek's clash is bound for Dennington Oval. The match will begin at 12.30pm.

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