The Sharks have been slowly building throughout the season and last week’s win in Kempsey has them on top of the ladder.

Now the challenge is to stay there.

Cudmore, however, is confident his side will rise to the challenge like they have done all season.

They’ve surprised him at how well they find themselves situated despite the turnover in players at the end of last year.

So far this season up to nine juniors have made their first grade debuts.

But now is the time to get serious and the coach knows it.

“The minor premiership is now within reach and we’ve told the boys to lay off the parties because the summer beers always taste a lot better after a premiership,” Cudmore said.

They clash with Old Bar Beach Pirates on Saturday in a match which could loom as a dangerous one.

Cudmore doesn’t see it that way.

“We had a couple of games earlier in the year where some of the boys weren’t quite up for it and we had our pants pulled down,” he said.

“That’s what can happen in this competition, but now footy is our number one priority I’m confident that won’t happen.”

He knows the Pirates will challenge his side on their home surrounds. They pushed Wingham all the way a fortnight ago.

“I expect a tussle and know they’ll keep coming all afternoon, so we need to stick with them and I’m confident our fitness will tell in the end,” Cudmore said.

The coach is expected to rest Matt Shipway and David Luck to keep them fresh for the finals while Harley Gore could return from injury.

First grade kicks off at 3.15pm at Old Bar Reserve.