The Tigers and Blues are currently locked on 24 points each at the foot of the ladder, four points adrift of the crucial third place and two behind fourth-placed Rugby.

Newtown has lost four straight matches, stretching back to late November, while Macquarie ended its run of seven consecutive defeats last weekend with a much-needed victory over Rugby.

While four rounds still remain after this weekend, including three crucial two-day matches, both sides will be keen to score a win on Saturday so not to fall too far off the pace.

The respective efforts with the bat shapes as a crucial part of Saturday’s clash, with both sides battling for huge scores at times this summer.

Macquarie’s batsman fired last week, piling on 8/265. Five players made at least 30 while Anthony Heraghty then claimed four wickets as Rugby was dismissed for 174.

Newtown had struggles in its effort with the bat, with the Tigers again failing to post an imposing total and RSL-Colts chased down the total of 176 with relative ease.

The Tigers will be hoping Wayne Dunlop can kick on after getting a start and making 39 in his return to first grade last week while there is plenty more batting talent in the shape of captain Mat Skinner, Steve Skinner, Dan Holland, Charlie and Mick Kempston and Dan French.

Saturday’s match, the sides’ second last 50 over game for the season, begins at 12.30pm at No. 3 Oval.