CRICKET: The top four Condamine Cup cricket sides will look to fine-tune their preparations in the lead-up to the semi-finals.

As it stands, Maryvale has locked in top spot on the ladder, with Wheatvale guaranteed to finish second.

This means both teams will have another shot if they lose their encounter next weekend.

Redbacks and Colts secured the next two spots, although the former will need a win to secure the all-important third spot.

In the event of a washout in the finals, the highest- placed team will progress.

Redbacks face a big task to secure that spot, when the side comes up against Maryvale.

Their opponents have been in a rich vein of form since the start of the season, not dropping a game all year, and comfortably accounting for Wheatvale, which was previously unbeaten since December.

A win, or bowling out Maryvale, would see the Radbacks (42.5 points) claim at least two points.

Colts has the bye created by the departure of Inglewood from the competition, meaning the side will finish on43.5 points.

Allora, Sovereign and Rascals all fighting for prime position in the reserve-grade final.

Currently Sovereign leads the pack on 35 points, with both Allora and Rascals tied on 34.

With Allora due to host Sovereign today, it is shaping up as a must-win for both sides, otherwise they risk putting their fate in an opponent's hands.

The Warwick Cricket Association also determined that the minimum number of games required in order to play in the finals would be three instead of four, due to washouts this season.

ROUND 16

Maryvale v Redbacks at Slade Park

Allora v Sovereign at Allora

Wheatvale v Rascals at Queens Park (turf).

Sheffield Shield

Warwick's Mark Steketee will look to continue his wicket-taking form in the Sheffield Shield.

In the Queensland Bulls' last outing, the paceman claimed 2-50 from 27 overs in his side's draw against Victoria.

The Bulls start their next fixture in Adelaide against the South Australia Redbacks tomorrow as they look to maintain top spot on the ladder with just three matches remaining.