The Whangarei and Districts Rugby League will go right down to the wire next week after Moerewa Tigers won their third successive match on Saturday to move into the top four.
Moerewa overcame a tough challenge from Hikurangi Stags to win 30-18 at Simson Park, while up the road in Kaikohe,
Portland Panthers registered their fifth consecutive loss to slip out of the top four for the first time this season.
Only the top four clubs will qualify for the first round of playoff games at Jubilee Park in two weeks' time but Portland aren't finished yet. The Panthers complete the round robin series this weekend knowing a victory over Hikurangi may be enough to see them though.
Moerewa need to beat Ngawha Saints in the final round to guarantee themselves a place in the playoffs - but Ngawha want to win to earn the minor premiers title, so there will be no quarter expected in the match.
Portland played some good football against Kaikohe Lions and could have snatched a late victory.
Instead, some enterprising passing by the Lions saw them score after the hooter sounded, giving them a comfortable 52-42 win in a game that was tight throughout.
Moerewa were always going to be hard to beat at home and, with the passing of Dylan Craig's father, Hugh, who was a club sponsor, during the week there was too much riding on the result to contemplate losing. They are likely to take the same attitude into next week's match against Ngawha, making it the feature match of the final round.
Takahiwai Warriors kept the pressure on Ngawha Saints for the top spot with a outstanding 66-8 win over Bay Slayers at Ohaeawai, while Wairoa Bulls scored their fifth win of the season with a 66-22 win over Marist Brothers at Otaika Park.
