RUPERTSWOOD is almost out of chances in the VAFA Premier C finals race after a 16-point defeat at Banyule on Saturday.
The 13.19 (97) to 11.15 (81) defeat leaves Rupertswood needing to win all three remaining games while receiving favours in other matches to make an unlikely charge for the top four.
Rupo's seven wins and eight losses keep the club eighth on the table, two wins behind fourth-placed Mazenod. Banyule got a three-goal jump at quarter-time on Saturday, but Rupertswood rallied to lead the game by seven at the long break.
Banyule kicked back in front by eight at the last change before consolidating with two goals to Rupertswood's one in the final term.
Rupertswood hosts Marcellin (11-4) at Salesian College this weekend and will need to upset the finals-bound team in order to keep its season alive.
Banyule 13.19 (97) d Rupertswood 11.15 (81)
GOALS - Rupertswood: B. Swallow 3, L. Brennan, M. Gaunt, M. Quigley 2, M. Wilson, B. Slater.
BEST - Rupertswood: B. Swallow, M. Quigley, T. Podolczak, B. Slater, M. Gaunt, M. Smith