The Hastings League heads into the final round of competition with two teams still locked in a battle to decide the minor premiership.
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Kendall and Long Flat are currently sitting at the top of the competition ladder with 24 points with the Blues just +6 points ahead on points differential.
As well, the final round matches are shaping up as critical to determine the exact order for the top five positions, says Hastings League spokesperson Geoff Connor.
"Kendall will travel to South West Rocks to take on the Marlins who are currently in winning form," Connor said.
"The Marlins have plenty of points in them and will be looking to grab that vital third spot to ensure they get two bites of the cherry.
"However, they also need to stiffen up their defence too. Throughout this season, the Marlins have lost too many games by two or four points, so they are a pretty strong outfit.
"But they are in a really hot form right now, don't have any major injuries and are building quite nicely toward the semi finals.
"I really think this game at South West Rocks is the match of the round. It will be a great game.
I really think this game at South West Rocks is the match of the round. It will be a great game.
- Geoff Connor
"It is a long way off being a dead rubber," he added.
Conversely, Connor said, Long Flat play host to the Laurieton Hotel Stingrays with the Dragons more likely winners than Kendall.
"It will still be a tough contest, but I can see the Dragons winning this one," he said.
With a five team semi final series looming, the minor premiers will enjoy the luxury of a weekend off, leaving the fourth and fifth placed sides to battle out an elimination semi while second and third place play in a preliminary final.
Connor said he was looking forward to this year's semi final battles with the Blues and Dragons the inform teams over the entire season.
"They have clashed twice and have one win each," he said. "There is just six points difference in their differential.
"As well, the current third placed team - the Stingrays - is nine points further back.
"That shows you that Kendall and the Dragons have been the clear cut best teams all season."
Meanwhile 2019 will see the Hastings League celebrate its centenary with a range of celebrations on the drawing board.
Connor said a women's competition is likely to get the green light in the coming months.
"It's going to be a very strong Hastings League season to coincide with the centenary," he added.
Hastings League points table after round 13, courtesy of Footy Focus:
Kendall Blues 24; Long Flat 24; Laurieton 15; SWR Marlins 14; Lower Macleay 13; Beechwood 10; Comboyne 4
Final round matches in the Hastings League are:
Long Flat v Laurieton Stingrays at Long Flat
SWR Marlins v Kendall Blues at SWR Sports Ground
Lower Macleay v Comboyne at Smithtown Oval, Smithtown
Beechwood - bye.