Lockhart continues impressive rise to be in thick of CAW Hume flag hunt

The Demons have built on a strong 2019-20 where they finished fourth and were beaten in the preliminary final by eventual premiers Rand.

Lockhart sits the same position with five rounds remaining in the campaign, but with only nine points between first and seventh, there's no margin for error.

They'll have a better idea of where they sit when they host Rand today, who sit in unfamiliar position just outside the top six.

The Demons' clash with the Pigeons in round two was washed out, but president Jordan Renner is confident they can take it up to them today after a strong fortnight.

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Lockhart downed Culcairn by 80 runs last weekend and produced a fine run chase to defeat Henty by three wickets a week earlier.

"After moving up from B grade, not too many people thought we'd do any good, but I think we're not too far from one of the sides to beat," Lockhart president Jordan Renner said.

"We've played a couple of good games in a row since we've been back.

"We chased down 180 a couple of weeks ago (against Henty) and we set 215 for Culcairn last week.

"We're hitting our straps around the right time and it's been enjoyable."

Renner said the club had been dominant in B grade, but the rapid progression in the top tier has taken a few by surprise.

"We're a bit more experienced and we've all grown," Renner said.

"We picked up Jordan Harrington from Albury and Jackson Weidemann from Wagga and they've slotted straight in and helped out a lot with batting and bowling.

"Everyone is doing their job and chipping in which makes it a whole lot easier for the club."

Extreme heat is predicted today and Renner hopes it doesn't rule out a second clash with Rand.

"Rand has been the side to beat for eight years now, so in a way it's good to see they're down there (outside the top six), but if you want to be the best you've got to beat the best," he said.

"A win against these blokes will probably give us a fair indication of where we'll be sitting at the end of the year."

Jarrod Burns injured his knee last week against Culcairn and isn't expected to play again this season.

"He (Burns) done his knee batting on Saturday and he also has shoulder problems and he popped his shoulder out on Monday and had to go for surgery," Renner added.

Leaders Brock-Burrum take on Culcairn, Walla hosts Henty, Walbundrie awaits The Rock-Yerong Creek, while Osborne plays Holbrook.