TWO weeks remain before the North Gippsland Football League finals series and the top five remains unsettled.
The season’s biggest improver, Traralgon Tyers United, has confirmed its hold on a top three finish and will make a first finals appearance since claiming the silverware in 2004.
With the top three locked in, the battle is raging between four sides for the final two spots.
Churchill, Rosedale and Woodside are level on 36 points in fourth, fifth and sixth respectively and are fighting for an elimination final berth. Cowwarr remains in the hunt for the five and sits two points outside of the trio.
Boasting a healthy percentage, far greater than several sides above them, the Saints may sneak into the mix.
Woodside v Glengarry
HIGHLIGHTING Saturday’s round of matches is the contest between sixth-placed Woodside and Glengarry.
The Wildcats kept a faint finals flame flickering following a strong showing over the past fortnight culminating in wins over Rosedale and Cowwarr.
The two triumphs put Woodside back in the hunt, but Saturday’s crucial cut-throat clash against Glengarry will decide the Wildcats’ fortunes.
Rampant in its 13-goal disposal of Woodside earlier this season, Glengarry will go into the contest confident but not complacent.
The Magpies sit one game clear in third position and will need to be on song from the opening bounce on Saturday if they are to stay on track for a double chance.
Held quiet by a staunch defence and blustery conditions last weekend, Woodside’s back six will have a tough task to contain the Magpies’ forward fire power.
Heyfield v Gormandale
WITH the minor premiership title secured and a much deserved break in the first week of finals beckoning, Heyfield will play host to Gormandale, which found itself outplayed in round 16 by Sale City.
The Tigers have shown great improvement this season, having won four and shared the points with Cowwarr, and the younger brigade has shown great development.
To beat the best Gormandale will need to post a match-winning score, which will not come easy against the number two ranked defensive side in the competition.
Cowwarr v Traralgon Tyers United
COWWARR’S finals equation was complicated by a loss to Woodside last week.
Sitting on the fringe of the five, the Saints have a tough fortnight ahead and will be hoping results of other games fall in their favour.
Renowned for their slow season starts, the Saints found their groove at the midway mark of the fixture.
Over the past month the wheels have wobbled as the Saints dropped the points to quality opposition in Glengarry, Heyfield and Woodside.
Cowwarr hosts TTU who come into the contest on the back of losing the top of the table clash.
In their earlier meeting the Saints proved too slick for the second placed Bombers with an eight-goal win, set up by a 10-goal-to-five opening half.
Sale City v Churchill
IT was a dark day for the Dogs last time Sale City and Churchill collided, with the result all but decided by quarter-time.
The Dogs will be out to avenge the 131-point loss against the fourth-placed Cougars, which must win the final two games of the season to secure an elimination final berth.
Sale City has nothing to loss and will ensure Churchill is kept on its toes.
Expect a spirited contest with the Dogs to chase the Cougars all day.
Rosedale v Boisdale Briagolong
AN impressive eight-goal second half was a highlight of Boisdale Briagolong’s performance in round 16.
Bomber coach Daniel Sandeman would be hopeful his side can carry some of that form into Saturday’s contest against Rosedale.
Handed an old fashioned drubbing in their earlier encounter, the Bombers were completely outplayed by Rosedale, which was on point in front of goal.
Coming into the contest on the back of a second loss in the past month, the Blues will be eager to return to top form ahead of finals.
