JUST one game separated the second and third placed teams after seven rounds in the Eastern Regional State League.
Gippsland finished on top of the ladder in the 17 and Under division after going undefeated for the season.
Pakenham did not have the easy ride expected against bottom-placed North Gippsland, however did enough to deny North a first win.
Pakenham broke clear to win 46-29, the third quarter proving the difference.
Mid Gippsland’s late season recovery resulted in a third win, this week against Alberton.
Mid Gippsland came out strong, scoring 14 goals to six in the first quarter.
Alberton could not keep up and went down 45-34.
Another split round in the open division saw Gippsland once again come out on top with two wins, which put it well clear on top of the ladder.
In a physical match, Morwell Navy scored a win over a determined Alberton.
Morwell was down by four goals in the first half and was able to finish off strong as Alberton slipped behind to finish 19-17.
Unable to source a win this season, North Gippsland still played with confidence as it took on experienced sides in Gippsland and Morwell Red.
Alberton desperately wanted a win in the final round, and faced Gippsland in its second game of the night.
Alberton trailed by seven goals in the first half and Gippsland pocketed another victory 21-15.
This week’s semi-final round will be sudden death with winners going straight into the grand final.
Gippsland will look to keep its perfect record intact and secure a place in the grand final in the 17 and under division when it comes up against competition newcomer Pakenham.
East Gippsland will battle it out against Sale.
The open division sees the undefeated Gippsland take on Morwell Indoor Red, and Morwell Indoor Navy will do its best to overcome Alberton in what should be the match of the round.
Games will commence at 8.30pm at Latrobe Leisure Churchill.
The 15 and under competition is also in finals mode with games being played this Sunday at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex from 4pm.
Competition favourite East Gippsland is looking to charge into the grand final when it meets Mid Gippsland, and Gippsland will take on Sale.
