Local teams can advance up the ladder against Ipswich this weekend

CRICKET: Toowoomba teams can make a big impact on ladder positions in round five of the Harding-Madsen Shield.

Northern Brothers Diggers wicketkeeper Brandon Walker. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Rain impacted last round, allowing just one of six games to reach a completion, and a similar forecast is expected for tomorrow.

Western Districts currently sit in top spot, and can further extend their advantage at the top when hosting last-placed South East.

The match of the round comes from Harristown Park, with Metropolitan-Easts taking on Laidley.

Both sides come into the contest unbeaten through four rounds, with the Trojans trailing by two points on the ladder.

Highfields-Railways can leapfrog Central Districts into fourth when the two sides meet, while Northern-Brothers Diggers need to take care of business at home to Northsiders to maintain pace with the top sides.

FIXTURES: Metropolitan-Easts vs Laidley at Harristown Park; Highfields-Railways vs Central Districts at Highfields Sports Park; Northern-Brothers Diggers vs Northsiders at Rockville Oval; Western Districts vs South East at Heritage Oval; Brothers vs Southern Districts at Ivor Marsden; Thunder vs University at Tivoli. Games at 10.30am tomorrow.

DDSWQ OUT TO FINISH ON A HIGH

With just three weeks left of the Lord’s Taverners competition season, Darling Downs and South West Queensland is looking to finish the year on a winning note.

They get the chance this weekend to climb up the ladder with an away game to Western Suburbs on Sunday.

The U16s squad will take plenty of confidence into the encounter after pushing first-placed South Brisbane in a narrow three-wicket loss last weekend.

HEAT HOPING FOR RETURN TO PLAY

After starting the Women’s Big Bash League season with a victory, the Brisbane Heat hope to get the chance to make it two wins from as many games tomorrow.

Wet weather is again predicted in Sydney for their clash with Hobart at Spotless Stadium.

Rain forced their match against the Renegades on Monday to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Delissa Kimmince and Georgia Voll are currently in the Heat squad.

The match will be shown live and in HD on Fox Sports from 2.30pm.

BULLS CHARGE TOWARDS OLD RIVALS

With State of Origin taking centre stage on Wednesday, Queensland and New South Wales will get the rivalry started early in the Sheffield Shield.

The two sides meet tomorrow at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide.

The Bulls were in scintillating form to start the season, defeating Tasmania by an innings and 59 runs.

Warwick’s Mark Steketee scored 23 runs with the bat.

Originally published as Local teams can advance up the ladder against Ipswich this weekend