THE race for third on the Illawarra Rugby ladder will reach its climax on Saturday.
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Vikings hold the edge, the side currently sitting third on 21 points, Shoalhaven are level on points but fourth on for and against. Shamrocks sit one point back.
In a final round that sees Avondale take on Camden, Vikings will play Tech, the same team that knocked off the Shoalies a week ago.
Woonona are set for a formidable trip north to face second-placed Campbelltown.
Shoalhaven will take on Kiama, with coach Paul Connor urging his side to improve on last Saturday's disappointing result.
"The boys are keen to finish third," Connor said.
"We played poorly last week.
"Credit to Tech, they played well against us, but we certainly lost that game.
"We're confident this weekend, when we play well and stick to our up-tempo game, we're formidable."
Connor has mixed feelings about this season.
One that was originally cancelled, the fact a nine-round competition has been played is viewed as a win.
Also on a positive note for the Shoalies is the improved performances on the field.
A side stacked with talent that had threatened to break through in previous years finally has in 2020.
That success brings disappointment, with Connor lamenting the lack of finals in a year his side likely would have finished in the top four.
"We've taken some steps forward this year that we haven't over the last few years," Connor said.
"With a full season, if we can retain the bulk of our players, we'll be able to build on this year and continue improving."
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