RIVERSIDE will welcome back coach Alister Gibbins for his first game of the season in tomorrow's match against reigning premier MOWBRAY as the cricket focus reverts back to a two-day NTCA format following recent Greater Northern Cup one-day games.

Gibbins missed the Blues' first four games after spending the off-season playing cricket in England.

His experience will add depth to Riverside's batting and bowling stocks.

Blues captain Patrick Mackrill said the talent within their young side was developing well with 16-year-old batsman Jack Towns top scoring last week with 46.

Mackrill said the Blues needed more consistency in both batting and bowling and batsmen needed to go on to a big score after making a start.

MOWBRAY captain Clinton Reid said his side had been playing good cricket over the past two weeks after a slow start to the season.

The Eagles lost their first two matches and Reid admitted his side had been outplayed by better teams.

But consecutive wins indicated improved form in the past two weeks. "We've had even contributors and most of our batsmen have spent some time in the middle and our bowlers have had hit outs so there are no excuses," he said.

Reid said changes to the Eagles line-up were unlikely.

WESTBURY will host LAUNCESTON with the Shamrocks hoping some luck will go their way.

"We've been so close to lose by one wicket one week and one run the next and we haven't been playing anywhere near our full potential," Shamrocks captain John Kedey said.

Kedey said his side had been making too many fielding errors which was a major area for improvement and more consistency was needed in the batting.

He said left-arm spinner Michael Lukic, who picked up five wickets the last time the two teams met, could be a key to the game.

Henry Terry could miss with state under- 19 team duties with batsman Travis Anderson returning.

Launceston is undefeated at the top of the table and captain Paul Bunton said his side's form had been solid but had plenty of room for improvement.

"We've played some pretty good cricket even though we haven't been convincing in all our games but we're really looking forward to getting back to two-day cricket," he said.

The Lions should have a couple of changes with Jade Selby and Alex Pyecroft both available for one week only and the availability of Chris Bassano still uncertain with work commitments.

GEORGE Town will be seeking its first win of the season when it hosts the undefeated SOUTH LAUNCESTON.

Saints coach Mike Doherty said his side will be boosted by the return of captain Scott Driessen.

Doherty said he was quite happy with his side's performance from last week despite going down to Wynyard and would look to build on that effort.

Teenage spin bowler Jack Hill will be given an opportunity to showcase his wares with a return to the two-day format.

Doherty said the improved form of Zac Barber with the bat and ball was a positive for the club.

South Launceston captain Michael Hay said he was happy with his side's early season form with three wins from three games plus a washout.

Hay said there had been some uncertainty about how the Knights would go with personnel changes from last season but their performances had been good with some of their younger players stepping up and the addition of some experience to the batting line-up with Matthew Page and Chris Hay returning.

Hay said he was enjoying the experience of captaining the side for the first time taking over from Brett Coad who moved to Melbourne.

Page will miss this week in possibly the only change for the Knights.