Horsham Blue needed to beat Hamilton to remain in the grand final equation, and a patient start with the bat set the hosts on the right course.

Will Gellatly (22) and Max Bunworth (22) were defiant at the top against a fearsome new-ball attack.

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The pair lasted 15 overs, before Gellatly fell victim to one that swung through the gates.

Bunworth departed shortly after, and the hosts were soon again calling for lower-order runs at 7-86.

Joey Nagorcka (31) offered some resistance, but failed to find a partner as his side slipped to 117, all out.

Horsham's defence started in firing fashion, quickly having Hamilton at 3-27.

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Time would prove to be the host's enemy, with Hamilton pacing its chase to near perfection.

Joey Nagorcka (2-15) and Connor Weidemann (1-23) were Horsham's best with the ball, as Hamilton reached the target in the 29^th over, before batting on to post 8-206.

At Coughlin Park, an improved Horsham Red performance wasn't enough to upset one of the carnival's best sides, in Wimmera-Mallee.

Red batted first, and solid knocks from Jeremy Kemp (14) and Gibson Perry (16) guided the hosts to a respectable 3-49.

From there, however, Wimmera-Mallee's bowlers gained the ascendancy.

Hunter Connolly claimed the remarkable figures of 3-3 off his allotment, while Elliot Fitzpatrick (2-5) and Connor Lee (2-13) helped dismiss Horsham for 64.

Wilson Mitchell (2-14) bagged crucial early wickets to keep victory within the host's grasp.

Wimmera-Mallee's batters would stand tall, though, led by Nick Thompson (31) and Noah Berry (26).

Lachlan Dixon was Horsham's best bowler with figures of 3-2.

The win all but secures Wimmera-Mallee's place at the top of its pool. A win on Wednesday would send the side through to the major semi-final, one step away from the grand final.

Wimmera-Mallee takes on the undefeated Warrnambool Gold under lights at City Oval.

Both home sides will be looking to record their first wins of the carnival on Wednesday. Horsham Blue meets Portland at Sunnyside, while Horsham Red come up against South West at Laharum.

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