Illawarra heavyweights Balgownie and Wollongong, and South Coast powerhouses Oak Flats and Albion Park, will travel to the Central West for the Country Cup cricket round of 16 during the Christmas-New Year period.

The defending Illawarra premiers booked their spot in the final 16 after a five-wicket win over University at Judy Masters Park on the weekend.

Balgownie won the toss and sent the Students in to bat - the gamble paying off as they held Uni to a meagre 144.

The Magpies were in a little bit of early trouble before skipper Chris Sheppard counterpunched with a dashing half century to steer his side home with five wickets in hand.

At Ziems Park, Wollongong ended Corrimal's hopes of a mid-season trip to the bush with a 39-run win.

The Lighthouse Keepers batted first and managed a moderate 178 before they held Corrimal to 139.

Albion Park gained some revenge for their loss to Lake Illawarra in last season's South Coast decider with a commanding eight-wicket win at Keith Grey Oval.

Batting first, Lake Illawarra cobbled together 9-182, but the Eagles reeled in the total for the loss of just two wickets.

Meantime, Oak Flats scored a 35-run win over Warilla at Geoff Shaw Oval. Batting first, the Rats posted 6-272 before bundling the Kookas out for 237.

Meantime, remaining South Coast hope Gerringong and Shoalhaven club North Nowra-Cambewarra were eliminated from the Country Plate.

Gerringong lost by five wickets to defending champion Highlands, while North Nowra lost to Eurobodalla by seven wickets.

The next stage of both competitions will be played in Bathurst and Orange on December 27-29.