Kardinia International College will have to win or draw in next weekend's final round in order to secure the minor premiership, after it suffered its first loss of the season in the GRFC Women's Division last Saturday.

Needng only a draw to clinch the minor title, Kardinia lowered its colours to the second placed Deakin Ducks. The 'Tertiary' students have closed in to within three points of their 'Secondary' counterparts, with just next weekend's final round to come. To make it even more interesting, the Ducks currently enjoy a +3 superior goal difference.

The game was played at Kardinia College due to ground unavailability at Deakin. This didn't faze the visitors, who took the lead in the 11th minute with what proved to be the only goal of the game.

Hannah Gordon executed a delightful longe range effort from outside the box, which sailed over Kardinia 'keeper Maddi Hogan's outstretched hands.

The rest of the opening half was a tight affair, with each side limiting the other's opportunities to score.

The second half saw Kardinia lift the tempo with right winger Ella Polglaze sending in countless crosses. Dynamic midfielder Stephanie Cameron delivered some quality through balls to Kardinia striker Sofia Harrop, who couldn't convert due to some excellent goalkeeping from Deakin's Jacquie Denning.

The Women's League's leading goalscorer, Deakin's Madeleine Lee Gow (34 goals), was kept scoreless by some fine defending from Lucy Kania and Charlotte Gittins.

Third placed Barwon and 4th placed Surfside Waves both recorded emphatic victories to secure their spots in this year's Finals Series, thumping Barwon Heads 9-0 and Surf Coast FC 7-0 respectively.

Goalscorers for Barwon included Michaela Buchanan and Rachael Robertson, each with a double, while singles were scored by Chafer, Durran, Moston, Donkers and Lossie.

For the Waves, Nicole Mills and Jessica Fletcher both scored a brace, with singles to Sattler, Murphy and Gillbee.

Despite recording an easy 3-1 win over bottom side Corio Bay at Howard Glover Reserve on Saturday, Geelong SC Red cannot make this year's Finals, as they are four points adrift of the 4th placed Waves.

In the only other Round 17 fixture, Breakwater Eagles easily accounted for second bottom placed Geelong SC, running out comfortable 3-1 winners at the White Eagle Club. The Eagles' Shannon Daffy scored her 11th goal of the season in the main highlight of this game.

PHOTO: Deakin's Madeleine Lee Gow (pictured) was kept scoreless by some fine defending from the Kardinia defenders.