If the team captain himself said it's going to be a tough game, better believe him.

That's why Eastridge skipper Thirdy Escaño is mincing no words to describe the tall odds they are facing in Orchard.

They emerged victorious in the Federation League semifinals and will dispute the championship at yet specified date and venue.

Having the higher ranking through the eliminations, Orchard gets to pick the course and the dates of their gold medal encounter.

"Well one thing for sure it's not gonna be easy," Escaño told Tribune Golf.

"If my players come up with their A-game, that would be the day to win. Orchard is a very strong line up."

Escaño, who used to be non-playing captain for Southwoods, said he might play one match for Eastridge and contribute to the campaign.

"(Game strategy) is also important but nothing like having good players and a deep bench," he said. "Because you must change five players, you cannot retain same for both matches."

His club rampaged to the finals after defeating Sta. Elena in a sudden-death over the weekend.

Eastridge tied visiting Sta Elena, 5-5, in regulation play with a second consecutive 2.5-2.5 draw.

That's until Mike Uy and Edison Tabalin defeated Jet Mathay and Ayon Sanchez in a high-low playoff to decide the stand-off.

Orchard had earlier clinched the first finals spot after beating Riviera. It forced a 2.5-2.5 draw but with its 3.5-1.5 win at home last week, Orchard escaped with a cumulative 6-4 semifinal win.