IPL season now at business end

THE ILLAWARRA Premier League's top eight has been decided, with the semi-finals starting on Saturday.

Heading into round 26 Dandaloo and Bulli had locked up first and second place respectively.

Dapto went into their round 26 clash against Bulli needing a win for a top-four finish and the priceless second chance come finals time.

They produced the goods, winning 1-nil thanks to a Paul Ryrie goal ten minutes from time.

However, custodian Josh Tidswell was the hero for Dapto, making a number of outstanding saves to deny the Balls Paddock outfit.

That result has set up a rematch in next week's quarter-final.

Port Kembla nailed down fourth place, and eliminated Cringila Lions in the process, with a 2-1 win at Wetherall Park.

One point would have been enough for Cringila but Mark Piccolini put Port ahead one-up on the stroke of halftime.

Piccolini added a second midway through the second term before Cringila pulled one back through Akwasi Agyei with 15 minutes remaining.

Port's victory opened the door for Tarrawanna, who went into round 26 in ninth place.

The Tarrawanna side then sealed the eighth playoff berth with a 4-1 win over Kemblawarra at Butler Memorial Park.

South Coast United will meet Tarrawanna after a regulation 5-1 win over Coniston Lions.

Michael Santalab and Sasho Dimoskiboth scored doubles for United.

Picton scored a small psychological advantage for this weekend's sudden-death final against Albion Park with a 2-1 win at Terry Reserve.

Meanwhile, Dandaloo had a "?week off', surrendering to relegated Kiama 5-1