The Hamilton-Wickham duo will open the bowling today as their side attempt to defend 166 against a Wallsend side that reached 4-83 by stumps last week at Wallsend Oval.

Webber took two of the wickets to fall and Maher one and their opening attack today could determine the outcome of the match.

Experienced pair Paul Coleman (24) and Warren Holding (21) were the not out batsmen and they will resume their partnership today.

"The first hour will be crucial," Coleman said last week. "Hamwicks have got some pretty good bowlers but we've done half the job and now we have to do the rest."

Victory for Wallsend would put them into the mix for a finals berth.

Cardiff-Boolaroo have already lost on first innings to Stockton which would leave them equal with Wallsend should the Tigers beat Hamwicks.

However Cardiff (145) are precariously placed in their match against Stockton (4-231) and an outright loss would end their chances and breathe life into the Seagulls' season.

Stockton were considered an outside chance at best of making the finals heading into the final round and they could fight for fourth on quotients with Cardiff and Wallsend depending on results.

Stockton skipper Mark Dries was 83 not out at stumps last week but indicated yesterday that he would declare before the start of play in a bid to chase an outright win.

University will chase minor premiership honours against defending champions Belmont (6-136) in a rain-reduced match at Cahill Oval. The Sea Dragons have not played finals cricket since 1986-87 and they are the only team guaranteed a semi-final spot heading into the last day of the season.

Tom Locker Cup champions Charlestown (150) will be desperate to add another piece of silverware to the cabinet when they resume the fight against Newcastle City (6-100) at No.1 Sportsground today. The Magpies can still miss out on the finals if they lose, and former Charlestown player Jesse Major and Damien Jones are the not out batsmen for City.

The matches between Merewether and Toronto Workers at Townson Oval and Waratah-Mayfield and Western Suburbs at Waratah Oval will be one-day matches because they were washed out last week.