University face a test of their semi-final credentials from Keira while several other clubs face must-win games in round 10 Illawarra cricket action today.

University lost 18 wickets on the second day against Helensburgh in round nine and will need to bat better against Twenty20 champions Keira, who beat Wests Illawarra outright.

Just 14 points separate fourth-placed Uni from second-last Wollongong with four rounds left before the semi-finals.

Balgownie have a 12-point lead over Keira and proved they are the team to beat with wins over the top four Lions and Dapto in the past two rounds.

Premiers Helensburgh look to be finding their best form and take on sixth-placed Corrimal at Ziems Park in a crucial game for both clubs.

Corrimal will probably need to win their last four games to make the semis and their batting has been a strength recently.

The Cougars' top order will have to face the in-form Helensburgh coach Tim Lloyd, who took 8-22 in just 13.5 overs against University in one of the most dominant bowling performances of the season.

In other round 10 games, Port Kembla need to beat Dapto at Reed Park to keep their finals hopes alive.

Port are coming off a loss to Corrimal in which both clubs chased an outright win.

Wollongong also put their semi-final hopes on the line at home to Balgownie this afternoon.

Wollongong made 9-254 in beating Northern Districts (225) in round nine. Wollongong teen Kain Flynn-Duncombe took a hat-trick as did Keira's Nick Bell against Wests Illawarra.

In today's other match, Norths host Wests at Hollymount Park.

● Ladder: Balgownie 63; Keira 51; Dapto 46; University 42; Helensburgh 40; Corrimal 34; Northern Districts 33; Port Kembla 29; Wollongong 28; Wests Illawarra 9.