Mowbray is tipped as favourite for the match, sitting second on the ladder with 11 wins and three losses for the season.

Riverside vice-captain Tom Hay said the he was relieved the team would not be playing against club star Ricky Ponting, but said the retirement of Artis was a blow.

"He`s a very good captain, he was injured in the middle of the year and had a double- header on the weekend and decided it was time to retire," Hay said.

"Hopefully we'll step it up on the weekend."

Mowbray captain Clinton Reid said he was anticipating the match, which could help to bring the club home on a strong run for the season.

"We played some decent cricket last week, we're in good form," Reid said.

"I don't think there's any easy games, the competition is really even, you've got to be at your best every week."

He said the experience of playing with Ponting had rubbed off on the players.

"I think there was a few nerves because of it last week, but I think they've learned something from him and will take that into the next game," Reid said.

The match will be played at Invermay Park tomorrow.

Launceston will play against George Town at the NTCA 1 ground, and South Launceston will face the undefeated Westbury Shamrocks at the NTCA 2 ground.