FIVE doesn’t fit into four.
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The most exciting finals race in the region comes to a climax on Saturday when the Murray league top six is decided once and for all.
Nathalia, Barooga, Echuca United, Mulwala and Deniliquin Rams all enter their final round showdowns having to win to play finals.
They’ve all won 11 games for the season.
The Rams currently sit outside the top six, yet could finish the season as high as third if results go their way.
Deniliquin coach Troy Bartlett admits the club needs plenty to go right for that to happen.
“At least we know where we stand,” he said.
“Win and we’re some sort of chance, lose and we’re no chance.”
Nathalia and Barooga are in third and fourth spot but are far from safe.
If anything, they’re the most vulnerable.
The Hawks take on premiership favourite Finley at Barooga, while the Purples take on ladder-leader Rumbalara.
Mulwala (Tongala) and Echuca United (Numurkah) look safe with clashes against two of the competition’s battlers.
“Whoever misses — whether it’s us, them or anyone else — will be disappointed,” Bartlett said.
“We’ve beaten just about everyone above us and haven’t lost to anyone below us.
“We’ve won 10 of our last 12 and we still might miss.
“It would be pretty shattering, but that’s footy, isn’t it?
The Rams travel to Moama to take on the Magpies — a difficult proposition.
“They’re stiff not to be in the same spot as us,” Bartlett said.
“They beat Echuca twice and aren’t going to be a pushover.
“If anything, they might start favourites.”
Bartlett said the Rams had no intention of making up the numbers, if they sneak into the six.
“We’ve had to play elimination finals for the past two weeks,” he said.
“We’re getting used to them.
“Hopefully we’ve still got a couple more in us.”