Otumoetai Eels fullback Ainsley Skudder was in outstanding form against the Ngaruawahia Panthers. Photo/Andrew Warner
The Otumoetai Eels find themselves on the outside of the combined Waikato-Coastline premier competition top four after drawing with the Ngaruawahia Panthers 10-10 at Huntly's Davies Park.
The low-scoring affair hung in the balance for the second half, with a forward pass near the line costing the Eels the win
near full time.
The result leaves the Eels in fifth place ahead of next month's playoffs, but with a trip away to equal bottom side Turangawaewae in prospect the men of Mitchell Park still feel positive about their chances.
The match between Hamilton City Tigers and Ngaruawahia Panthers could determine which side misses out on the playoffs, while Taniwharau's match against second-placed Hukanui could determine who wins the regular season.
The Tigers were well beaten by leaders Taniwharau 20-12 on Saturday, who have recovered after a couple of early season stumbles to look the competition's form side.