Osborne has secured its finals position with a resounding and somewhat surprise victory at home against old rivals Culcairn, winning comfortably by 44 points.
The defending premiers have shown there is some fight left in their campaign. They jumped Culcairn early and were never headed, sounding a warning to other clubs that they are still a danger come finals.
Even more impressive was the victory, considering Matt Gleeson, Luke Maloney and Stephen Doig were out injured for the home side.
Hayden Gleeson, Djali Bloomfield and Corey Munson were the leading players in the Cats first win this year against a top four side.
Culcairn with Coach Luke Donan defying a persistent knee injury with four goals did not win a quarter against the revitalized Cats.
The loss for Culcairn will have serious ramifications in their pursuit of a double chance and top two finish. They have lost this place to Jindera whom they play this Saturday.
The BB Saints (202%) are equal on points with Jindera (204%) and Culcairn (165) with 13 wins. They are in the box seat to claim second spot with matches to come against the two bottom teams.
They had a solid 61 point win over Holbrook, with underrated utility Greg Talent kicking a career high eight goals. Dean Murphy was best afield for the Saints.
Holbrook battled on well with its second half just failing to outscore the red hot Saints. Daniel Shaw, Martin Semmler and Ewan Scholz were outstanding for Holbrook.
Howlong dodged a major setback when they held onto top spot courtesy of a thrilling come from behind win over RW Tigers by just four points.
The Spiders produced an amazing comeback after the RW Tigers had kicked the games first nine goals, to lead by over fifty points during the second term.
The Tigers with their season on the line came to play and showed the type of form its star studded outfit has been threatening all year, with a scintillating brand of football.
The Spiders however gradually chipped away at the huge deficit and slowly but surely masterminded one of the great Hume league comebacks for some time.
The Tigers heavier bodies and lack of leg speed began to take its toll, as Ben Nicholson and Jay Banks racked up a ton of possession. Ash Dedini was solid in his comeback for Howlong.
Howlong still need to win at least one of its two remaining games to be assured of a double chance. They are at home to Osborne this week, followed by Jindera in the final round.
Jindera kept alive its faint hopes of a double chance with a huge win over Lockhart. The Bulldogs would need Howlong to lose next week and then defeat them in the final round to have any chance.
Kade Garland (8) and Brad Preston (6) dominated up forward for Jindera; after Lockhart had led at quarter time after a six goal quarter, after that the Demons were terrible, kicking only one further goal.
Murray Magpies put an end to Henty’s finals hopes with a solid win at home by 35 points. The win has also virtually guaranteed the Magpies will play in the finals.
The match was an outstanding spectacle with both sides playing fast and open football. Damien Barber was best for Magpies, along with Ryan Jenkins who booted five goals.
The Swampies who recently reappointed Coach Adam Wiseman and assistant Andrew Wilson, had their faith repaid, with both players playing terrific games, along with Al Edis.
Walla snatched its first win for the season with a dramatic five point win over CDHBU with the final kick of the day. The victory has kept the battle for the wooden spoon alive and well.
Both teams are on the bottom with just one win each, with CDHBU currently holding a 1.5 % advantage over Walla. An easier run home should see Walla avoid the title.
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