Tamworth Blue's young brigade will have it all to play for in what will be the sternest test of their Connolly Cup campaign.
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The defending champions could finish top of the eastern conference or miss out on the semi-finals altogether.
They head into Sunday's final round second behind opponents Gwydir. Armidale, who play bottom-placed Glen Innes in the other game, are another five points behind and could overtake Tamworth should they stumble against Gwydir.
Armidale would need a big win with Tamworth boasting a far superior run-rate, but skipper Adam Lole doesn't want to take any chances.
He will again lead what is a young and talented side, but is wary of an unbeaten Gywdir outfit.
"It will be a tough game. Obviously they're on top of the table for a reason," Lole said.
"And they're playing in their conditions."
Expecting the game to be on synthetic the conditions will be a big factor especially from a bowling perspective.
That has been a real strength for the Blues, streamrolling both their opponents so far for under 100.
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"Our bowlers will face a bit of a tougher test than they have so far this season," Lole said.
"Obviously on synthetic the ball doesn't do as much as on turf."
"Still if we bowl good line and length and take our chances we should be right."
The quality of the opposition will also pose a tougher challenge.
The Bingara-based side has been bolstered by a few handy recruits with McNeill siblings Angus, Caleb and Alex joining their South Tamworth club skipper Tom Groth.
The NSW Country keeper-batsmen played a couple of games with them last season.
The McNeill's have a family property at Barraba.
Former West Tamworth, and Central North quick Brendon Reynolds is also playing with Warialda this season and has formed a formidable opening partnership with Angus McNeill.
Lole will be one of the keys for the Blues with the bat but is able supported by a cast of young, and in-form talent such as Ben Livingstone, who is coming off a century for the Northern Inland under-15s.
Things are even tighter in the western conference with only a point separating Narrabri, Moree and Gunnedah.
Gunnedah face Narrabri out at Narrabri while Moree are home to Peel Valley.
