Each week in the Western Youth League's northern pool proves more important than the last.
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There's only two rounds remaining but three of the pool's four sides remain firmly in contention for top spot.
And with the competition's finals structure being confirmed this week, the difference between finishing first and third is clear to see.
Wellington Cowboys are on top currently but sit only point ahead of the Macquarie Raiders, who they play host to on Sunday.
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CYMS is a further point back in third and is expected to get the job done in its match against Mudgee at Apex Oval.
The team which finishes third in the pool will meet the top side from the eastern pool - currently the unbeaten and dominant Bathurst St Pat's - in week one of the eight-team finals.
The pool winner would meet the team which finishes second in the southern pool while the team in second would play its counterpart from the eastern pool.
Western Rams' Peter Clarke said the finals format will "provide for plenty of entertaining rugby league with teams from differing pools or groups meeting in week one".
Venues for week one of the finals series will be advised no later than Monday, September 7.
On Saturday, CYMS play as the curtain-raiser to the club's Presidents Cup meeting with Wentworthville while Wellington meets Macquarie from 1pm on Sunday at Kennard Park.