Easts skipper Jack Bennett said the young Easts squad had really benefitted from UK import Toby Godfray's input on and off the field.

"The team was on the up, but I think Toby has really helped focus them on what is needed to perform well at this level," he said.

"He has been a real inspiration for the young blokes we've got in the side."

Easts take on Thornton in a vital away clash.

Wests have a top-three battle against Raymond Terrace with top spot or a share of it up for grabs.

Wests skipper Tom Irwin knew the return of star batsman Aaron Mahony from England would be a massive boost for the Plovers in 2019-20, but it's Mahony's English mate Elliott Lewis who could provide the impetus for a first Wests premiership since 2015-16.

"Aaron is probably the best batsman in the Maitland comp and we have really missed him. HIs return alone makes us a top-four side," Irwin said.

"The addition of Shaun Hill and Elliott Lewis has really been huge for us, not only in their own performances but in what it has meant for the rest of the squad.

"Elliott is a genuine all-rounder and his bowling has been spot on.

"His preparation, his professional approach to the game it's all contributing to the team. I think it has really helped the other bowlers like Luke Kealy as well.

"He has taken a bit of the pressure off Keal's, who has that fast-bowling support now and is really benefitting from it.

"Riley Harrison has picked up from where he left off at the end of last season and even without Mitch Fisher we are able to go into games confident of knowing we can dismiss the opposition and have a strong batting line-up.

"Shannon Threlfo has taken another big step at the top of the innings. His work on and off the pitch is incredibly and he is a future captain of the Plovers."