MNL wrap - round 17

And with a game and almost 10 percentage points separating the fifth-placed Tigers and next week's opponent Mulwala (sixth), Kate Bird's troops know they will be entering an elimination final against the eighth-ranked team in the competition.

"Everyone played really good netball," Bird said of Saturday's win against the Cats.

"We made the most of our turnovers in the last quarter as well.

"We created plenty of defensive turnovers throughout the game but probably didn't capitalise on them well enough until the last.

"I think we're getting better every week, hopefully we can keep building on it.

"There was only one goal between us last time we played Mulwala so we're expecting another tight game.

"But I really feel like we're hitting our straps, especially in the defensive end and the goaling circle."

The standouts on Saturday were once again shooter Lillieth Ukich and defender Lili Murphy, but Bird was happy with her entire squad.

"Lillieth Ukich and Lili Murphy got our awards," she said.

"But everyone played their role and that's what you want at this time of the year."

In other fixtures across the region, Echuca United was dominant in a 64-25 win against Tongala, but was not as as impressive as Moama in its 81-18 victory against Barooga.

Rumbalara was also a comfortable victor against Katandra (56-17), while Congupna defeated Katandra 55-27 to jump back into eighth spot.

Mulwala triumphed against Numurkah 53-25, while Deniliquin defeated Nathalia 53-32.

The Road has their finals fate in their own hands when they take on the Hawks next week, with a win enough to move through to the knockout rounds.

If they falter they could still hold on though, with Nathalia and Tongala facing off in an early elimination battle.

The Blues are only two points behind Congupna on the ladder, but the Purples would need to win and make up nine percentage points over the incumbent to taste finals action.