The final minor round placings in the 2008 Women’s Central ABL will be a mathematician’s dream, with four teams tied for first place.

Sturt, North, Forestville and Southern all have a record of 11 wins and 4 losses. If ties remain at the end of the minor rounds, teams are separated based on the results of the games between the tied teams.

Each of the three remaining rounds will feature one game involving a pair of the top four teams. This week, Sturt plays Southern, next week North plays Southern, and the following week, North plays Sturt. The Eagles avoid any top 5 teams in their run home, and would be favoured to clinch the minor premiership, though Norwood’s late season form may be a  thorn in their side.

The Sabre-Tiger feline frenzy at the Cage will be the game of the week. When these teams last met on April 20, Southern won by 12, albeit in a game that didn’t feature Renae Camino or Angela Marino. Sturt would be itching to reverse this result as a minimum, and also be aiming to beat the 12 point spread to ensure they stay a step ahead of Southern in the event of a tie.

Meanwhile in the men’s competition, Forestville’s 22 point victory over North leaves it in equal first place with Norwood. Barring any unlikely results, the minor premiership will be determined by the outcome of the July 12 game between these two teams. The result could carry extra significance for Norwood, as a loss for the Flames could mean the difference between 1st place and a week off, versus third place and an away final.

The elimination final will be hosted by either South or Sturt, with the Panthers currently one game clear of the Sabres. Sturt’s run home includes Southern (who are 4 and 1 with Brad Bungey and 1 and 9 without him), South, and North, while South have Norwood, Sturt and Forestville. If the top three teams keep winning, and Sturt manages to defeat Southern this weekend, it’s likely that the round 17 game between Sturt and South will also determine a home final.