Tension is building in the race to the semi-finals of the Williams Cup in two weeks' time, with just two rounds of qualifying rounds remaining.

With a logjam consisting of Carrus Mount Maunganui, Element IMF Cadets, Eves Realty Greerton and Rotorua Central on top of the standings, there is a real incentive to finish in the top two, where an extra life in the playoffs is on the line.

The winner of the encounter at the Tauranga Domain between hosts Cadets and Greerton, will take a big step towards a home semi-final and another bite of the cherry if beaten in round one of the playoffs.

While the two sides will be without their Bay of Plenty representative players, who are on duty against Poverty Bay in Gisborne, both teams will take strong line-ups on the field at the Tauranga Domain.

Sean Davey who has represented New Zealand at Under 19 level, has been the form batsman of Baywide Cricket, since returning from injury. A rare T20 century last weekend showcased his talent with the bat, while Ben Christensen has blasted plenty of runs in the Williams Cup.

Greerton's Dan Spencer, the only Baywide bowler to grab a seven wicket bag this season, will lead his teams strike attack, with veteran bowler Murray Jarvis always dangerous when thrown the ball later in the innings.

Another key match is between Central and defending Williams Cup titleholders Te Puke at Smallbone Park in the Sulphur City. Te Puke lurk just a win away for the top of the table, however a loss to Central would probably consign then to the also ran ranks.

Two Central bowlers could be there key to victory, with skipper Jason Trembath and Tahir Afridi sitting in the Williams Cup top four bowling stakes.

The foil to the Central bowling attack, should be provided by Te Puke batsmen Tai Bridgman-Raison and Stephen Crossan, who have both been in good form with the willow.

While Mount Maunganui will be expected to defeat Tauranga Boys' College, the Tauranga students posted three successive wins in the recently completed Baywide T20 competition.

The Tauranga Boys' batting line-up, will need to be wary of Mount bowler Dan Hill who leads the bowling stakes with 24 scalps.

Whakatane United and BOP Indians, who sit at the bottom of the Williams Cup standings, both showed good form in the T20 title race. The two sides met in round six of the T20 comp with the Eastern Bay side posting 148/7 and the Rotorua team failing by just eight runs to nail the victory.

BOPCA Williams Cup Draw - 12pm start

Whakatane United v BOP Indians, Rex Morepeth Park; Central v City Sports Bar Te Puke, Smallbone Park; Element IMF Cadets v Eves Realty Greerton, Tauranga Domain; Carrus Mount Maunganui v Tauranga Boys College, Blake1.

Points Table

Mount Maunganui 24, Cadets 24, Central 24, Greerton 24, Te Puke 18, Tauranga Boys College 3, BOP Indians 3, Whakatane United 0.