The victory moved Services 19 points clear of their fifth-placed rivals with one round remaining and guaranteed the perennial finalists another shot at the flag.

Skip Col Hendren said it was a relief to secure a position in one of the tightest competitions in years.

“It was close for the first 40 ends, but then we were able to steadily move ahead,” Hendren said.

“Only second and third spots can really change now.

“It was a good win.”

Josh Thornton led the victory charge with a 31-17 triumph against Neil Hocking, while Ken Widdison accounted for Kevin Evans 25-17.

Hendren took out a low-scoring tussle against Roger McKenzie 18-15 and O.J. McBreen completed the sweep with a 20-19 win against Robert Tait.

Ladder leader Wodonga defeated YMGCR 96-80.

Paul Carey’s rink was in sensational touch, defeating Neil Loveridge 30-11, while the charismatic John Dawson brought down Gary Sanders 26-18.

YMGCR won the remaining two rinks with Les Spencer defeating Chris Venning 30-20 and Bomber Mitchell edging out Ashley Bates 21-20.

Benalla climbed off the bottom of the ladder with a 107-99 win against Myrtleford and Wangaratta defeated Rutherglen 107-80.

The ladder is: Wodonga 169, Wangaratta 151, YMGCR 146, Corowa Services 126, Yarrawonga 107, Rutherglen 104, Benalla 69, Myrtleford 64.