After Warrnambool came out on top at Timor Street in round eight, City Red recorded a victory over its fellow powerhouse at Cramer Street on Saturday in round 17.

There is one home-and-away round remaining before the teams will meet again in the second semi-final on neutral territory.

"It looks like it's going to be another close finals series," City skipper Kevin McMahon said after his side won by just three shots on Saturday.

McMahon defeated Brian "Blackie" Lenehan 24-19 while Vince Moloney overcame John Leishman 31-16.

Teammates Peter Pangrazio and Ray Hoy lost to Warrnambool's Neil Crisp (27-16) and Paul O'Donnell (26-20) respectively.

"We were up by 12 late in the day and then they won the last few ends," McMahon recalled of his own rink.

"Vince was leading all day and then got right away and Peter was trailing most of the day.

"Ray Hoy's rink was trailing all day but then they won the last few ends.

"Warrnambool was five shots up at afternoon tea but that's nothing because it's only a third of the way through the game."

Reigning champion City Red - which the skip conceded was reasonably confident before it tackled Warrnambool - has virtually secured the minor premiership.

"We wanted to finish first or second to get the double chance," McMahon said.

"We've got Dennington next which will be tough but it's good practice ahead of the finals."

There were other hotly-contested matches in round 17, with Dennington Red edging out Warrnambool Blue by only a shot.

Victorious skipper Peter Neal enjoyed the biggest win, overcoming Graeme Sharp 32-12 while Warrnambool's John O'Brien recorded a similar winning margin over Ian Quigley (31-15).

City Memorial Green trumped Timboon Gold 95-89, with each side finishing with two wins apiece. Port Fairy Red lapped up the largest victory of the round as it trounced Mortlake Blue 128-83.

Terang Green was impressive against City Gold, winning 119-75.

Jim Whitehead's rink had a 21-shot triumph while teammate and club games record-holder Kevin Lee won by 20 shots.