While three of this weekend’s games are, in terms of competition standings, inconsequential, Vipers and Hawks Royal are facing off in a battle of epic proportions with second place on the line.

Whichever side triumphs will seal that much-coveted spot, earning a major semi-final crack at minor premiers Orange City and a crucial second chance come finals time too.

Hawks, in second, are two points clear of Vipers but the latter side’s percentage is far superior.

If Vipers win, the heavyweights will finish deadlocked on 36 points but that percentage advantage will be enough for the navy and teal bibs to jump Hawks.

While the two blues have battled somewhat of a late-season skid in form they’re expected to bounce back, something that makes the injury-hit Vipers’ task all the more difficult.

“Finishing second would certainly be ideal, but we have battled injury and illness recently and have just been hanging in there,” Vipers coach Lynne Middleton said.

“It’ll be very tough, we’re preparing to be playing with (the bare minimum of) seven players this weekend so it’ll require a big effort from everyone.

“Hawks probably haven’t been playing their best lately but there’s no guarantee that will continue, we’re certainly expecting them to bounce back and come at us firing.”

Jacky Lyden and Soph Kleeman are in doubt for the clash, with a torn calf and sprained ankle respectively.

“We’ll sit down and look at the side [on Friday night] but we will be preparing to play without them,” Middleton said.

“We have the advantage of having a lot of versatility in our side, everyone has been so good switching around the last few weeks so that will need to continue.”

Against a Hawks side featuring some of the most deadly shooters in the competition, Middleton said her side’s defensive effort will be a key factor.

Fortunately, the likes of Abby Tilburg and Sheryll Selwood have inspired the side to the best defensive season of any Toyota Cup outfit.

Vipers have conceded just 420 goals this winter without suffering in attack, they’re the third-ranked side on the offensive end of the court.

“We’ve asked a lot of Sheryll in particular and I know she’s felt it, but her and Abby have been magnificent,” Middleton said.

“They’ll have another big task this weekend stopping Hawks’ young shooters because they are very, very good.”

Vipers and Hawks go head-to-head from 3.50pm on Sir Neville Howse Stadium’s show court.

In Saturday’s other final round games Orange City Newey’s Drive Thru Cleaners play Life Studio (court A, 1.10pm), Life Studio Mid West Eyes play Hawks Central Fitness (court A, 2.30pm) and Orange City faces Kinross (court B, 2.30pm).