Now they have to stay there.

Their quest to qualify for the finals series doesn’t get any easier when they travel west on Sunday to tackle second-placed Wauchope.

But in recent weeks results have fallen their way where a defeat at Lank Bain Sports Complex won’t end their season.

That wouldn’t have been the case three weeks ago.

However, captain Jake Hawkins wants his team to finish as high as possible and a win could see them move into fourth position if Wingham defeat Old Bar.

“We know we need to win every game to give ourselves the best chance of making the finals,” Hawkins said.

“For us, we’d like to be able to win this weekend which will show we are good enough.”

Hawkins hosed down speculation evergreen forward and USA World Cup star Matt Shipway was set to return to the Sharks side.

“We’d like him to play, but that cut-off date has passed – that ship has sailed,” he said.

Wauchope registered a 26-24 victory when the teams last met on May 12 and a similar close contest is expected.

It could come down to whoever keeps their composure the longest.

“No doubt Wauchope will try and target a few players to try and bait us to get us off our game,” Hawkins said.

“But we’ve got to get through that period and it will come down to who goes back to playing footy.”

First grade kicks off at 3pm, with league tag at 11.30, under-18s at 12.35 and reserve grade at 1.50.