If Rand is to build on its run of eight consecutive premierships, it can ill-afford a slip up at home to Culcairn on Saturday in the final round of the CAW Hume season.
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The Pigeons sit in sixth spot on percentage ahead of Lockhart, which takes on fifth-placed Holbrook to keep its season alive.
Rand carries a streak of three losses into the vital fixture and were beaten the last time they played the Lions.
Captain Bryce Swift knows the Pigeons still control their own destiny.
"We've got to make sure we win this one otherwise we're leaving it up to other games to decide what happens," he said.
"I'm not really sure what it is, we just haven't really clicked yet.
"If we can get into finals, we know our best cricket is still ahead of us and it will be good hopefully.
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"We're confident we can take it up to the top sides if we make it through."
Around a third of the season has been affected by rain or extreme heat, which has made it difficult for clubs to find continuity.
"I think we've really only completed a handful of games," Swift added.
"They (Culcairn) knocked us off last time we played so it will be good to beat them."
Rand was bowled out for 119 when the sides last met back in round six, with an unbeaten 32 from Swift the only notable contribution for the Pigeons.
Culcairn was in early trouble in the chase at 5-18, but recovered to post a three-wicket win with five overs to spare.
The Pigeons take an unchanged line-up into the contest.
Meanwhile, Walla and Osborne's clash at Walla will determine who finishes on top of the ladder and earns the all-important double chance for week one of the finals.
Lockhart must beat Holbrook at home to have any chance of a finals berth at Rand's expense.
Brock-Burrum can move to third if successful against The Rock-Yerong Creek and results go its way.
Victory for Henty against Walbundrie will ensure it stays third and secures a home final.
Rand has won the two premierships in CAW Hume since the competition was formed in 2018-19 and took out the previous six flags in Brocklesby and District Association.
Walla fell to Rand in last year's decider by 25 runs.
Beau Greenway
Beau Greenway is a journalist at The Border Mail. He likes to tell the stories of great people in our communities. Email: beau.greenway@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Beau Greenway is a journalist at The Border Mail. He likes to tell the stories of great people in our communities. Email: beau.greenway@austcommunitymedia.com.au
