FINALS action came two weeks early on Saturday, when the Culburra Cougars and Bomaderry Tigers played out a six-goal thriller at Culburra Oval.
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The Tigers, who had 17 wins and two draws to their name heading into this match, raced out of the blocks, to lead 2-nil at the break.
But with a top-two spot on the line, the Cougars came roaring back to secure a 3-all draw on Saturday, with Roy Miller, Mitch Blundell and Doug Gray finding the back of the net.
For the visitors, Brendan Kellett scored his 23rd goal of the campaign, two behind team mate Jordan Haddow who has 25 this season, with Dale Russell and Kevin Jackson also scoring for Nathan Aldridge’s side.
The result sees competition champions Bomaderry finish the regular season undefeated, with a 17-0-3 record, as the team have the bye in the competition’s final round.
On the flip side, the Cougars sit in third spot, two points behind Gerringong – who had the bye in round 21.
That means the Breakers are in the box seat to finish in second spot, only needing a draw against Illaroo in the final round to do so – with a seven goal advantage in for and against.
But if the Breakers do lose to Illaroo this coming Saturday at Gerringong Oval, the Cougars have a chance to leapfrog their rivals, if they can secure all three points against Shoalhaven United at Lyrebird Sports Park.
The fourth team that will be involved in this year’s finals series will be Huskisson-Vincentia, who thumped Illaroo 6-nil at Sharman Park.
In the dominant win, Alex Boardman (two), Gary Neimeier, Nick Gelle, Josh Hawker and Michael Hampton scored for the Seagulls.
Rob Hawker’s men, who currently sit in fourth, could jump Culburra in the last round, if they defeat Shoalhaven Heads-Berry and Culburra fall to United.
Regardless of that outcome, the Seagulls will be playing in the minor semi-final at Ison Park on Saturday, September 1.
In other results at the weekend, Manyana moved into fifth spot on the ladder, by defeating St Georges Basin 3-1 at the Manyana Sports Field.
Mitchell Veitch, Sam Swan and Tristan Nesbit scored for the Wanderers, while Connor MacQueen scored for the Dragons – who in the three years under coach Paul Cubbo, who never won and drawn against Manyana.
At Lighthouse Oval, Shoalhaven United continued their strong second half of the season, by sharing the points with Milton-Ulladulla (nil-all) on Saturday.
The final game of the round saw last-placed Shoalhaven Heads-Berry edge out second last Sussex 2-nil at Vic Zealand Oval.
The Sharks first win of the season was secured by goals from Brad Page and Raf Lombardo.
Despite this win, the Sharks still sit four points behind the Seahawks heading into the final round.