They have appeared in four of the past five grand finals or semi-finals, but only one can progress to this year’s “big dance”.

Wauchope somehow snuck into the top four on run rate while Macquarie have sailed along at the top of the Mid North Coast Premier Cricket League ladder for most of the season.

The rivalry will continue at Wayne Richards Park on Saturday and Wauchope captain Matt Day was quietly confident of causing an upset.

“When you sneak into the four you get what you get and we did get a bit lucky,” he said.

“You’ve got to take your opportunity and that’s what we plan to do.”

Day admitted the rivalry was strong both on and off the field, but he had a lot of respect for his Josh Hyde-led opponents.

“We’ve pushed them all the way in both of the games we’ve played this season,” he said.

“In saying that, they’re one of the most well-run clubs in the district and we have the utmost respect for what they’ve done.

“There’s no secret we’re great rivals, but we get on well and always have a beer after the game.”

Day admitted Hyde would be the key wicket in the clash.

“Josh is just a natural sportsman,” he said.

“He’s the best all-round cricketer in the region and will probably be awarded the Premier League player of the year.”

Wauchope will field an unchanged side from their past three matches.

“We decided the 12 back then would be the 12 for us going forward,” Day said.