AS FINALS edge closer, the fight for A-grade netball’s fourth spot looks to be between South Mildura, Irymple and Imperials.
South currently holds fourth after notching seven wins, four losses and one draw.
The Bulldogs are followed by Irymple and Imperials, who both have five wins.
The Swallows are just ahead of Imps, with seven losses and one draw compared to Imps’ eight losses.
Unbeaten Wentworth, Mildura and Ouyen United are expected to hold their first, second and third places heading into finals.
South, who play Mildura today at Mildura Sport Precinct, have a tough run home, taking on the top three teams before eighth-placed Merbein in round 18.
To secure a definite spot in finals, the side must defeat at least two teams, however, depending on how Irymple and Imperials perform, may only need one win in the next four rounds to reach finals.
Irymple, who have a bye next week, play Merbein today at Henshilwood Oval, before taking on Imperials and Red Cliffs.
A win in all three games would put Irymple in with a chance for finals.
Imps, however, must secure some last-minute wins to claw behind from sixth, coming up against undefeated Wentworth today at Brian Weightman Oval, before meeting Merbein and Irymple.
Imperials have a bye in the final round before finals.
The game between Imperials and Irymple in round 17 may decide which team can get ahead. However, both teams will be relying on the top three teams defeating South Mildura over the next three weeks.
In today’s other games, the Kangas take on eighth-placed Red Cliffs at Quandong Park, preparing themselves for a tough match against Mildura in round 18.
Red Cliffs will be celebrating one of their long-time club members, Claire Gowers, who will today play her 200th game of senior netball with the club.
Gowers has had four children during her long playing career and is now coaching under 11s.
