Wodonga Raiders' captain Leigh Clarke says the recent success has changed the club's philosophy.

"We respect everyone, but don't fear anyone," he said.

"If we bring the right competitive effort, we can be a chance against anyone."

Raiders have bounced back with wins over St Patrick's and Tallangatta after poor batting against Lavington and Belvoir.

"If you don't compete hard enough for long enough, you get bit on the bum."

(NOT) PITCH PERFECT

And Clarke says there were extenuating circumstances behind the state of the Birallee Park wicket.

"It's been a challenge for the pitch boys, we had some over 70s cricket on it and it's just been over-used," he said.

"There was a miscommunication and the wicket didn't see any water earlier in the week, it was an uphill battle to get the pitch in the condition we got it in."

Clarke elected to bat though and it proved difficult with uneven bounce.

However CAW's wickets, including Raiders, are generally the envy of most regions.

NEXT LEVEL

East Albury's win over premiers North Albury was built on partnerships.

After a solid 34-run opening stand, the Crows posted 45 for the second wicket and 49 for the fifth.

"We've probably taken the next step with our batting and instead of being all out for 160, 180, we've been able to take that next level of 200, 220," he said.

"I still think we haven't had a five-star batting performance."

The Crows are now second as they chase their first finals win since the preliminary final in 2014-15.

BIG WEEKEND

Lavington claimed three wins, with a trio of players starring.

Darcy I'Anson posted 50 in the loss to Wodonga on Saturday and followed it with 34 and 3-24 in Sunday's T20 win over East Ringwood.

Ryan Brown struck his highest provincial score of 39, rattled up 24 against East Ringwood and claimed an incredible 5-6 against Forest Hill.

And fill-in Daryl Tuffey hit 45 and 36 not out.

Cricket Victoria's Regional Big Bash Stars' Conference decider must be played by January 19.

SMITH'S SURGE

St Patrick's batsman Neil Smith is an early contender for the most improved player.

After two years with less than 300 runs and averaging under 20, the Patties' opener sits surprisingly sixth in the run-scorers at 50-over level with 233 at 39, including two half-centuries.

The club has long needed a batsman to take pressure off long-time star Luke Restall, who's currently fourth with 245 runs.

Smith blasted his way to an unbeaten 65, including eight boundaries and a six, in the nine-wicket thumping of New City.

IN OTHER NEWS

NEW ERA

CAW will trial its final T20 round tonight.

The association will gauge its success with an eye towards potentially more next season.

After four rounds, North Albury and Wodonga are undefeated, with Belvoir the only other team capable of contesting the grand final.

The Eagles have three wins and host East Albury, but will need to make up percentage.

North is away to St Patrick's, while New City hosts Wodonga.

Elsewhere, Albury is home to Lavington, while Raiders host Tallangatta.