NTCA A-grade ladder leader Westbury faces a danger game at Riverside tomorrow, according to coach Adrian Tudor as the battle for finals spots resumes.
Riverside defeated Westbury in the NTCA Twenty20 grand final at Riverside, and Tudor said the conditions usually suited the home side.
"They seem to have a bowling attack that suits a low, slow wicket that the curator prepares down there, and it is a danger game coming straight after the break," Tudor said.
Jono Chapman is unavailable for the Shamrocks with state under-19 duties, and Josh Hill is his likely replacement.
While happy to be unbeaten in the NTCA roster Tudor said it was a concern his side was winning roster matches but not finals.
"We'll put our best foot forward for the roster matches but unfortunately we won't know how we are going until we actually get to the finals.
"This is a pressure game for us and they will be reasonably confident after beating us in the T20 final and are well led by Robbie (Artis), so we're looking for a very good contest."
Riverside will be without Zac Towns who is playing with the state under-19s.
Patrick Mackrill has left, but opener Matthew Shipp and Peter New return.
Blues' captain Artis said his side would have to play its best to challenge Westbury.
"Our batting has been patchy all year and we need to find more consistency in the top order because it has been hit-and-miss with us and we need to rectify that this week," Artis said.
LAUNCESTON takes on traditional rival Mowbray at the NTCA No.1 ground with captain Rowan Smith acknowledging the challenge facing his young side.
Smith said the Lions wouldn't make finals but wanted to cause some damage to other teams.
"We'll be going out looking for a win and continuing what we want to achieve this year as far as our young player development is concerned," Smith said.
The Lions will be without state representatives James Whiteley and Ryan Lees.
MOWBRAY captain-coach Clinton Reid said he was happy with his side's pre- Christmas performances which had achieved the aim of giving it the best chance of making finals.
The Eagles will be without Alastair Biffin and James Storay with wicketkeeper Jake Laskey leaving a vacancy.
Reid said Biffin or John Le Fevre were options to take the gloves along with young Connor Lockhart from second grade.
SOUTH LAUNCESTON hosts George Town at the NTCA No.2 ground in an important game between the third and fourth-placed sides.
Knights' coach Ben Austen said George Town was the association's big improver and could not be taken lightly.
Austen said his side's form was a bit inconsistent before the break but it had worked to rectify that.
"We're happy with the development and improvement in a lot of the guys and hope that continues for the remainder of the season," Austen said.
Bowler Mark Stewart returns to the side.
GEORGE TOWN will be without Gabe Bell and Zac Barber, but coach Rohan Pooley said he wanted his team to be switched on.