Laguzza missed the final two competition rounds and the first two weeks of the play-offs because of holidays.

Swansea have decided to stick with the same line-up that beat East Cessnock 12-3 on Friday night.

NSW champion of club singles champions titleholder Matthew Baus will play singles, Clint Doust and Scott Baus the pairs and Steve McPhillips, Laurie Wright and Michael Abel are the triples trio.

Valentine will also stick with the same team beaten 13-2 by minor premiers Kurri Kurri on Friday night as they attempt to defend their fortress for the final time this year.

Brendon Baker will again play singles, Ian MacRae and David Govan combine in the pairs and Col Fraser, Anthony Ellercamp and Ian Lean team in the triples.

The Lakers have only lost one game at home all season. That was on an extra end of a tie-breaker by East Maitland.

But they were pushed to the limit against Swansea in the qualifying semi-final two weeks ago, getting home on the final bowl 9-6.

‘‘Kurri Kurri were too good on Friday night, but we have put that game right out of our minds,’’ Valentine manager Michael Munn said.

‘‘Our whole season now comes down to two hours of work on Friday afternoon.

‘‘Swansea, who have been the champions for the past two years, are a quality team and much more experienced at this end of the competition.

‘‘How we handle the pressure will be all important.’’

Swansea manager Paul Wesche said the Skiffs were not going to change a winning team for the match and was hopeful the side had learned something from their semi-final loss at Valentine two weeks ago.

‘‘Clint Doust has played very well since he came into the side. We teamed him with Scott Baus in the pairs, and Michael Abel has also been in fine form since moving over to skip the triples,’’ Wesche said.

‘‘Our winning margin over East Cessnock looked comfortable but the victory was much closer than it appears.

‘‘Matty Baus in the singles and the triples were both successful in the first set, but only after they each had to come from behind and convert their power plays on the final end of their first set to get home.

‘‘Valentine have done a great job this year, but one thing about the Swansea boys is no game is over until it is over.’’

The clash between Matthew Baus and Baker in the singles looms as a crackerjack. Baus has only lost one game in 10 matches since taking the singles role for Swansea, and that was against Baker two weeks ago in the play-offs.