Rup-Minyip is still in the hunt to defend its A-Grade title after a dominant 89-run victory over Jung Tigers at Sunnyside on Saturday.
The Tigers were cruising at 0-92 chasing 244, with openers Nathan Neumann, 55, and Angus Adams, 38, making the most of the good batting conditions.
But things fell apart for the home side after Blue Panthers captain Clinton Midgley got the breakthrough of Neumann.
It was the first of six wickets for Midgley, who finished with match-winning figures of 6-49 from his marathon 19.3-over spell. Paul Morgan was also exceptional for the reigning premiers, switching to spin-bowling midway through the day and taking 4-44 off 23 overs.
Morgan praised the efforts of his skipper and believed it was his best bowling performance for the season.
"He bowled a really good line and length," he said.
"He never gives up trying either you can guarantee that."
Tigers coach Steve Kenny gave full credit to Rup-Minyip, which he said was simply the better side on the day. Kenny said the Blue Panthers would be hard to beat if they made the semi-finals.
"They would be favourites for sure. They've got a proven track record and play consistent cricket," he said.
Laharum catapulted itself back into the top four with an outright win against Colts at home.
The Mountain Men, who were sitting in sixth spot before the match, routed Colts for 111 and 104 respectively, in response to their first-innings total of 6-185 declared.
Damien Bunworth's charges only needed six overs in their second dig to chase down the 35 runs required for full points to move into second place.
Noradjuha-Toolondo's opening bowlers Matt and David Combe combined to put doubt on Horsham Saints' finals hopes.
The pair took six wickets between them, including the big wicket of Luke Brunckhorst for 74, to lead their side to a 55-run triumph.
In the final game of the penultimate round, Blackheath-Dimboola caused a shock against top side Homers. The Bulls batted all day at Dimboola Recreation Reserve to post 8-232 in reply to Homers' 112.