Only ladder-leaders Latrobe (seven wins, two losses) are assured a spot in the semi-finals, with seven teams to fight over the remaining three spots.

Eighth-placed RIVERSIDE sit only three points off third place but would need to secure a bonus point and rely on other results to fall their way to make the finals.

Blues boss Tom Garwood was pleased his side was still in the running but said he wouldn’t be looking any further ahead than the coming weekend.

“We can only control what we can do on Saturday, so first things first we’re going for the win,” he said.

“Obviously they’re a really strong side, Miles Barnard is probably their big wicket so we need to get him out early and our bowlers just need to bowl consistent line and length for the 50 overs.”

SOUTH LAUNCESTON will advance to the semi-finals providing it can register a win at Ulverstone.

Both outfits are part of the six-strong chunk of sides with five wins and four losses, however, the Knights’ superior bonus-point tally gives them a simpler finals equation than their opposition.

South Launceston captain Alec Smith said while the Black Caps loomed as somewhat of an unknown entity, he was confident his team could come away with the win.

“It’s a pretty important weekend for everyone so hopefully we can play well,” he said.

“We didn’t play them last year but I know they’ve got a few good players like Josh Walmsley and (Jacob) Snare, they’ve both been good players for a long time.”

Opener Kieran Hume will return for the unavailable Jonty Manktelow in WESTBURY’s clash with Latrobe at St Patrick’s College.

Despite still being in finals contention thanks to three-straight wins, captain Richard Howe insists his side only has eyes for its next immediate opponent. 

“We’re starting to tick boxes and starting to play the cricket we want to play,” he said.

“Latrobe have only lost one or two games for the tournament so this will be our toughest test yet, but we’re taking some pretty good form into Christmas.”

LAUNCESTON and Burnie will play out a virtual elimination final at the NTCA ground, with the winner to advance to finals.

The Lions have had an up-and-down fortnight with a win against Latrobe and a loss to Sheffield, while Burnie had the bye last weekend.

MOWBRAY are out of cup contention but will have a great chance to notch up crucial Cricket North points against 0-9 Wynyard.