CRICKET
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University put their top-four spot on the line at Ziems Park this afternoon in Illawarra cricket's final one-dayer of the season.
Just two rounds remain before the semi-finals, with fourth-placed Uni two points ahead of equal fifth-placed Corrimal and Helensburgh.
Unbeaten leaders Balgownie and second-placed Keira look assured of a semi-final spot, but only nine points separate third-placed Dapto from seventh-placed Northern Districts.
Uni can virtually lock in a finals spot if they beat Corrimal and Wollongong beat Helensburgh at North Dalton Park in a day-nighter to support The Glenn McGrath Foundation Pink Stumps Day.
But a loss by the Students and victory by the Burgh would slide Uni back to sixth spot with just one round remaining, ensuring today's clash in the most important of the season for both Uni and Corrimal.
Dapto also need to beat bottom side Wests at Reed Park to ensure they have some breathing room heading into the final round, while Norths' season is on the line at Judy Masters Oval against the impressive Balgownie. Four Bally bowlers took at least two wickets in the win over Wollongong last Saturday. Wollongong were 1-62 chasing 227 but were rolled for 165.
Port Kembla look out of finals calculations after being frustrated by rain in a draw against Dapto last Saturday. Port were 2-139 needing another 83 for victory when play was called off due to a wet patch on the bowler's run-up.
Port top-order batsmen Gavin McCauley (60 not out) and Daniel Lee (37 no) batted well against Dapto and Port will be looking for another strong performance against Keira at King George Oval.
Ladder: Balgownie 70; Keira 58; Dapto 49; University 43; Helensburgh 41; Corrimal 41; Northern Districts 40; Port Kembla 32; Wollongong 29; Wests Illawarra 10.