STRATFORD sealed the East Gippsland netball minor premiership after drawing second-placed Lindenow 41-41.
The result at Lindenow maintained the Swans’ 20-point lead to the Cats with just three rounds remaining.
With four points from the bye this weekend, the Cats are guaranteed second place and the double chance during the finals.
The race for the remaining places in the finals has heated up with one win separating third to seventh.
Lucknow moved into third place with a 54-34 win over bottom side Paynesville.
Orbost-Snowy Rovers moved into fifth place, equal on points with Lucknow and Wy Yung after defeating the fourth-placed Tigers 44-41.
Lakes Entrance had the bye.
ROSEDALE lost only its second match of the North Gippsland netball season, going down 44-43 at home.
The result cut the Blues’ lead to Heyfield and Gormandale on top of the ladder to four points. The Kangaroos hold second place on percentage.
Heyfield defeated Churchill 57-46.
Woodside ended Cowwarr’s finals hopes with a 61-32 win.
Traralgon-Tyers United sealed a finals berth a 57-33 home win over Sale City.
In the battle of the bottom two sides, Boisdale-Briagolong defeated Glengarry 54-50, confirming the Magpies will take the woodon spoon.
Yarram had the bye.