Mason has seen his side improve over recent weeks to sit just three points outside the top four on the Maitland and District Cricket Association First Grade competition table.

And it’s the younger players in the side who are demanding to be taken notice of, including the youngest player in the competition 15-year-old wicketkeeper Jaymes Thomas.

“He’s been very impressive so far and he’s definitely taken his opportunity,” Mason said.

“To even be playing first grade at his age is a great effort but his performances have shown that he has a long future in first grade.

“His keeping has been excellent and his batting is improving every week as he gets bigger and stronger and more experienced.”

The young players have combined well with the other experienced players in the Terrace side to give them a realistic shot at making the finals.

“With Graham Maytom coming back he’s given the young guys that experience to build off,” Mason said.

“It’s no secret that after we won the comp two years ago we’ve lost a lot of players but with the young guys in our team now we know that we’re setting up our club’s future.”

Saturday’s round 12 clash sees the Lions host Kurri Weston at Jack Collins Oval in a game that could prove pivotal in their season.

The Terrace sit just outside the top four and have a tough run home with upcoming away fixtures against Northern Suburbs and City United to complete their regular season.

But Mason is confident his side have what it takes to be around at the business time of the season.

“It’s a big game for us this weekend,” he said.

“It was a bit of a heart-breaking loss last time out against Wests but if we concentrate on ourselves and on what we have to do we’ll be a chance.

“We’re only three points out from the semi-final spots so we just need to keep our best side on the park.

“Norths sort of have that aura about them but the comp has been so close this season that you get the feeling that everyone can beat everyone else on their day.”

With all first grade games being washed out last weekend, Saturday’s games revert to limited overs fixtures.

Play starts at noon.