Marnie Plummer and Kelly Wilton were the catalysts for the 48-47 win while Therese Turton and Tracey Bergowicz were the best for Howlong.

The win keeps at bay seventh-placed Osborne, who are now two games out of the finals following a heartbreaking one-goal loss.

Osborne came up against fourth-placed Lockhart but despite the valiant efforts of Sara and Carissa Schneider, fell agonisingly short, going down 18-17.

To remain in the hunt, the Cats will need to cause a big upset next week against ladder leaders Jindera, who were far too strong for Holbrook on Saturday.

Jindera’s Alison Wightman and Emma Weldon led the Bulldogs to a comfortable 54-15 win.

The Murray Magpies consolidated their position in the third spot with a 75-53 win over Billabong Crows, the Pies’ Sharton Attree and Noni Jeffery among the stars.

In other games, Henty will also stay put on the ladder, the third-placed Swampies accounting for BB Saints 51-33.

Rand-Walbundrie kept their finals hopes alive with a hard-fought 38-35 win over Walla, with Sue Trethowan and Amanda Smith standouts.

In the final game, the battle of the cellar dwellers, Coleambally emerged victorious by just three goals.

Kate Jones and Caryn Deaton were the best for the victors while Brianna Hanrahan and Karina Collins tried hard for the Power.