THE race for the Central Murray Football Netball League finals is tightening, with three teams securing their spots in matches on August 26.
Five-time defending premiers, Kerang, as well as Woorinen and the Mallee Eagles cannot be dislodged from the top three, despite the Tigers having the bye in round 17.
The Blues remain on track for a sixth consecutive minor premiership following a 93-point win against Lake Boga on Saturday.
Kerang held a six-point lead at quarter time, before Scott Lockwood, Troy Thamm, Troy Coates and Ryan Gillingham took control of the game.
The Blues opened up a 61-point lead at half-time and dominated in the second half, with Lockwood (seven goals) and Thamm (four goals) booting half of Kerang’s teams score between them.
Kerang and Woorinen have each won 12 games this year, whilst the Eagles are one win further back following a 41-point win against Nyah-Nyah West United.
Led by five goals from Caine Hillier, the visitors kicked eight goals to one in the second quarter to open up a three-win gap between themselves and the fourth-placed Demons.
Nyah-Nyah West United, Swan Hill and Tyntynder each have won seven games this season, with percentage separating fourth and sixth spot on the ladder.
The Cohuna Kangas and Koondrook/Barham are one win behind, with the Kangas’ finals chances hinging on other results following a 34-point loss to the Swans.
Harrison Keely kicked three goals for the Kangas, with the Swans’ inaccurate kicking at goal keeping the league’s southernmost side in the contest for most of the day.
The Kangas have the bye this weekend.
Meanwhile, a six-goal effort from Dean Limbach helped Koondrook/Barham produce a 38-point win against Balranald.
The win keeps the Raiders in the hunt for the finals, but face a must-win match this weekend against the Demons.
