THE five teams that will compete in the Wimmera league’s finals series have been all but locked in after some big results in round 16.
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A 23-point win by the Warrack Eagles saw the side shore up its place in the top five as it opened an eight-point lead ahead of Stawell with two rounds to play.
Minyip-Murtoa jumped from seventh to sixth, despite having the round off with the bye, but are also eight points adrift.
The Burras boast a slightly superior percentage in comparison to the fifth-placed Warrack Eagles but would need the side to lose both of its matches, including one against the winless Dimboola, to stand any chance.
The focus will now shift to the battle for third place, and with it the double chance, given places in the final five have been secured and Horsham Demons has won the minor premiership.
Ararat had held a seemingly strong grasp on the position but the Rats tumbled to fourth following Saturday’s loss to the Demons.
The Horsham Saints have taken the side’s place due to a strong percentage advantage and will likely be able to hold onto the position just by winning its final two games.
The task will be easier said than done against the Warrack Eagles and a Minyip-Murtoa side looking to reclaim some pride over the coming fortnight.
In the Horsham District league the battle for sixth spot is well and truly alive with one round to play.
Natimuk United currently holds the position courtesy of a two-point advantage over the seventh-placed Noradjuha-Quantong and eighth-placed Laharum.
The Rams will come up against the fourth-placed Swifts in the last round.
A win would guarantee the side holds onto the last place in finals but any other results, including a draw, would see the side needing to rely on results of the other two teams looking to steal its place.
Noradjuha-Quantong have the hardest match on paper against Kalkee whereas Laharum will face the last-placed Taylors Lake.
The Demons’ percentage is well below that of the Rams and Bombers but it is unlikely to factor into the equation.
At the top of the ladder the minor premiership and places in the top two are still up for grabs but things are unlikely to change.
Harrow-Balmoral are four points clear of Kalkee, and Jeparit-Rainbow are a further four points back.