City are 2-31 in reply to Uni's paltry first-innings total of 109 from 59 overs.

Bird took both wickets for University last week, and skipper Josh Emerton said he would need to strike within the first hour today to keep the Students in the top four.

"Obviously Birdy will be the key early on seeing he's been in great form," Emerton said.

"It's not leaning our way, but we're aiming to have them 5-50 or 60 and then the game's wide open.

"We need three wickets in the first 15 overs to probably give ourselves a chance."

University Oval's wicket was looking dry last night and Emerton said he, with his left-arm orthodox spin, and off spinner Chris Smith might play a major role.

There will be plenty of interest at No.1 Sportsground when Ben Woolmer makes his debut for Merewether against Cardiff-Boolaroo.

After last week's washout the match will a 50-over one-day match for the Gordon Goffet Memorial Shield.

At Kahibah Oval, Toronto have a big chance to claim outright points against Charlestown. Charlestown resume at 2-9, still 51 runs short of making Toronto bat again.

Charlestown were rolled for 49 in first innings last week thanks to a 5-18 from Toronto all-rounder Joe Price. Toronto then declared at 6-109.

Stockton (3-72) are likely to claim first-innings points against Belmont (102) at Cahill Oval, Wallsend resume at 8-217 against Wests at Harker Oval and Waratah-Mayfield are 4-130 against Hamilton-Wickham at Waratah Oval.