Wests racked up 277 on day one of the penultimate-round fixture, thanks largely to a classic 148 from opener Joseph Price.

Hamwicks will resume on 0-6 and are preparing to encounter a pitch with slightly more life than last week, given the deluge that hit their home ground on Wednesday.

"It's going to be a bit greener than last week, but it should still be OK," Webber said.

"It should be a good drying day today ... it always seems to be the way with us, that we get the worst of the conditions. But it'll be a good challenge for us and the boys are pretty keen."

Hamwicks have already produced some impressive run chases this season, including 3-243 and 4-201 to post wins against University and Wallsend respectively.

They also scored 8-376 against Uni, only to remarkably lose by one run.

"We thought 300 would have been par last week, because the wicket was pretty flat," Webber said.

"It's going to be a good, challenging run chase for us. Obviously wickets in hand after lunch and after tea are going to be the key.

"We'll be looking to the top four or five to get the bulk of the runs, and the guys down the order to chip in if required. So we'll see how we go."

Webber said the return of Jason Keelan from a groin injury he sustained playing rugby league had bolstered Hamwicks' batting stocks.

Keelan has wasted no time finding form, scoring a matchwinning 60 against Belmont in the final of the Summer Bash to clinch a second trophy for Hamwicks this season, along with the Tom Locker Cup.

The winner of today's clash at Passmore is likely to secure passage into the semi-finals, given that both teams are level on 49 points, two points behind leaders Wallsend.

Whoever loses could face a last-round dogfight, because Uni (47), Merewether (42), Belmont (38) and Charlestown (37) are all well placed in their respective matches.

Wallsend (6(dec)-156) are on track for an outright victory against Waratah-Mayfield (155 and 1-9) at Waratah Oval.

Likewise, Uni (7(dec)-180) have already posted a first-innings lead against Newcastle City (75 and 0-18) at University Oval and will be chasing maximum points.

At Lynn Oval, Charlestown's unlikely finals hopes will receive a major boost if they can outright Stockton.

Defending 199, the visitors reduced Stockton to 5-51 by stumps and will be eager for early breakthroughs.

Merewether could have a hard day's work ahead of them at Pasterfield Sports Complex, where Cardiff-Boolaroo will resume at 0-1, chasing 9(dec)-216.

And at Ron Hill Oval, Belmont (234) could well leave defending premiers Toronto (4-35) on the cusp of collecting the dreaded wooden spoon.