SURPRISE results are making the race to Hampden league netball finals a logjam.
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Four clubs - South Warrnambool, Terang Mortlake, Camperdown and Port Fairy - are locked on 24 points with five rounds to play.
The Magpies scored a thrilling one-goal win over top-three side North Warrnambool Eagles and the Seagulls edged out the Bloods on Saturday.
Coaches believe the fight for the top-five is positive for the competition.
Terang Mortlake coach Lisa Arundell said there were "a few curve-balls happening" but praised each team's mettle.
"It isn't too surprising at this time of the season as teams are fighting for the last couple of positions on the ladder," she said.
The Bloods, who beat the Eagles in round 12, fell from fifth to sixth after losing to the Seagulls.
"We've backed ourselves into a corner a little bit," Arundell said.
"We'll have to bank a few wins to stay in the finals race."
Camperdown mentor Brooke Richardson, whose side sits seventh on percentage, said there were ramifications each week.
"We're back to where we were two weeks ago now - last week Terang won and the rest of us (in the same position) lost but we're all back on the same points now," she said.
Cobden looks assured top spot with Koroit, North Warrnambool Eagles and Warrnambool fighting for a double chance.
The Saints and Blues drew on Saturday.
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