Deniliquin Rams finished their campaign a perfect 18-0, which sees them enter the post-season a hot favourite to take out the crown, while the likes of Rumbalara, Nathalia, Moama, Tongala and Mulwala will be clipping at their heels as the remaining contenders.
The only final round clash with any true finals implications was a blockbuster between perennial contenders Rumbalara and Nathalia at Mercury Drive, with the winner able to secure second spot and a vital double chance.
And as has so often been the case over the past decade, the class of Rumbalara prevailed, dominating on the defensive end to secure the 33-21 triumph.
Rumba’s second double-digit win over the Purples this season well and truly proved it had the wood over the 2021 minor premier, leading from start to finish.
The girls from Mercury Drive now enjoy a week off before going toe-to-toe with the Rams for a spot in the grand final.
Nathalia, on the other hand, will have to go the long way to premiership glory, beginning with an elimination final against Mulwala next weekend.
Elsewhere, Echuca United finished its 2022 season on a high, destroying a hapless Barooga 48-33.
Coach Jess Saunders and Kate Pearson were dominant in the attack end for the Eagles, while Tilly Keenan was stoic in defence.
Ending the season with four wins and a ninth-placed finish, Saunders said it was nice to finish on a positive note.
“It was a fantastic game and great to be able to do that with so many people past and present around the club,” Saunders told the Riverine Herald.
“It was a good match considering it was pretty scrappy against Barooga last time. We just looked like a completely different side.”
Echuca United celebrated a quartet of milestones at the weekend, with Hollie Davidson and Ebony Wagner saluting 150 club games for the Eagles alongside 100-gamers Caity Smith and Georgia Davidson.
Mulwala finished its finals preparations with a gritty 41-35 victory over Congupna.
Denliquin Rams held off a brave Cobram outfit, prevailing 41-29 at Scott Oval.
Moama was far too good for Numurkah, resigning the Blues to a winless season with a 70-19 victory.
Tongala rounded out the weekend’s action with a crushing 74-38 win over Finley.
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