Square has opened up a 20-point buffer inside the top four after securing an all-rinks win against South Bendigo last weekend, but Saturday’s assignment will be a whole lot tougher against the reigning premiers.

Bendigo’s winning streak is now at nine as it continues to chase the top-of-the-ladder Bendigo East.

Golden Square has won its past three games, but will need everything to go right if it’s to extend its run to four victories in a row.

Tip: Bendigo by 14.

• Castlemaine is at home to Kangaroo Flat in a contest between two sides that are coming off losses last week.

Both sides can still mathematically make the finals, but it will be curtains for whoever loses on Saturday.

Kangaroo Flat won in a canter by 29 shots in their round six encounter, but expect Castlemaine to give a better account of itself on its home greens.

Tip: Kangaroo Flat by 8.

• Inglewood proved last week that despite its ladder-position, it shouldn’t be taken lightly by Eaglehawk when they do battle.

Despite its heavy underdog status, Inglewood was last week beaten by just seven shots by the ladder-leading Bendigo East on its home green, where Saturday’s clash against the Hawks is being played.

Inglewood will need to be at its tenacious best again if it’s to challenge the third-placed Eaglehawk, which is coming off a commanding all-rinks win over Kangaroo Flat last week.

Tip: Eaglehawk by 16.

• It will be top versus bottom when Bendigo East plays host to South Bendigo.

A South Bendigo upset win would avoid its losing streak reaching 10 in a row, but after a scare from Inglewood last week, expect East to be ruthless.

Tip: Bendigo East by 27.

LADDER:

Bendigo East – 165/206

Bendigo – 161/158

Eaglehawk – 142/175

Golden Square – 113/0

Kangaroo Flat – 93/14

Castlemaine – 86/-128

Inglewood – 62/-176

South Bendigo – 42/-249