Cricket: Dargaville Shield, Greg Guy Shield in shootout for finals spot

Players will be hoping for a break from the rain to bring out their gear for this week's round of Dargaville Shield and Greg Guy Shield.

Following two washed out rounds, the Dargaville Shield and Greg Guy Shield are heading for essentially a knockout match to make the finals.

While the MetService weather forecast shows that there most likely be showers over the next two days, it doesn't look like there will be extended rain sessions.

This gives players the chance to shake off any game rust they've picked up during the now elongated pre-season.

In Dargaville Shield action City take on Whangarei South, while Rodney travel to Mid Western in what should have been a rematch from last year's final.

Poor weather, the bane of the 2016 version of the competition, meant a ball wasn't bowled in the final, handing Rodney the title.

Mid Western were the three-time defending champions and were unable to defend their crown as the unfavourable conditions at Bourne Dean Domain in Kaipara led to the match being abandoned.

Meanwhile in the Greg Guy Shield, another three matches are scheduled to be played this weekend.

Kensington Park will host two of the three games: Whangarei Boys High School First XI against Rodney Reserves and the clash between City Reserves and Mid Western Reserves.

The other match sees Northland Junior Secondary Boys taking on Kamo Reserves.

For all sides, Saturday looms as the penultimate chance to get some much needed game time ahead of a long club season.

With the first round of the club competition to kick off on November, time is running out fast for teams to get some time in the middle, but the eyes of the players will be firmly fixed on the sky.