Tech Waratahs all but wrapped up the Illawarra Rugby Union minor premiership with Saturday's enthralling 34-32 defeat of neighbours University at University Oval.
With two rounds to play, the Tahs are on top of the table on 58 points, two clear of second-placed Avondale.
Tech Waratahs host last-placed Vikings in round 17, while Avondale will pick up no points with the bye.
Irrespective of what happens in their final-round clash with Shoalhaven, Tech only have to beat Vikings to be assured of top spot.
"There's no way we'll go into next week's game thinking it'll be easy," Tech Waratahs coach Paul Darby said.
"We've got a lot of respect for Vikings, despite where they are on the ladder.
"We'll have to be on top of our game because I'm sure they'd love to knock us off and finish the season as strongly as they can.
"The last thing we want is having to beat Shoalhaven at Shoalhaven to win the minor premiership," Darby admitted.
"It'd be really nice to finish at the top of the ladder. We've got a few niggling injuries and there's guys who could really use a week's break in the first week of the finals."
The Tahs always held the upper hand against Uni, but the Mallee Bulls refused to wilt.
Both teams were keen to use their quick backs, a formula which made for a highly entertaining contest.
Uni scored a try in the corner at the death, but Justin Placek's sideline conversion attempt fell centimetres short and the visitors avoided a draw.
On the plus side, the Bulls got two bonus points for the second time in as many losses.
"It was a very tough game," Darby said.
"We were a bit scrappy at times, but there was a lot of running rugby and it was a great game to watch. Every time we scored, Uni would catch up again.
"It was the sort of game where it was probably fitting that it came down to a conversion right on full-time.
"The boys did real well to hang on and thankfully we got the points," he said.
Darby said the Tahs' best players were Liam O'Dwyer, Sam Buckthought, Aaron Kelly and Josh Darby.
Tech's points came via tries to O'Dwyer, Wayne Bruton, Emanuel Nayagodamu and Kuheleimoana Kinikini (2), while Lee Martin kicked three conversions and a penalty goal.
Placek and Adam Wright each scored two tries for Uni and Hayden Chellow got one.
Meanwhile, Avondale are still snapping at the heels of Tech Waratahs after a hard-fought 12-7 road win over fourth-placed Engadine.
Scoring tries for the Wombats were Chris Creber and Julian Tuigamala, while Jacob Hurst kicked one conversion.
Engadine's points came through a try to Eli Peters and Sonny Tauariki's conversion.
Vikings were celebrating their second win of the season after an impressive 33-15 defeat of Camden at Vikings Field.
Chris Nanasi scored two tries for the Blueys, while Simon Watts, Jovesa Sigabalavu and Brenton Dean also crossed for a try apiece.
Bagging two tries for Camden was Jake Sadler.
Vikings need to win their final two games and rely on Camden losing their matches to avoid the wooden spoon.
Titleholders Shoalhaven had to work hard to beat late-season improvers Kiama 24-19 at Shoalhaven Rugby Park.
Trent Higgins got two tries for the home side, while Tim Brown and Anthony Clark each crossed for a try.
Table: Tech Waratahs 58, Avondale 56, Shoalhaven 47, Engadine 41, University 36, Shamrocks 34, Kiama 28, Camden 18, Vikings 11
Email a friend