The Tigers completed their part of the equation, coasting to a 150-run win against a sub-par Horsham Saints, and just needed Rup-Minyip to falter against Noradjuha-Toolondo.

The two sides entered the final day level on points, setting the stage for a dramatic climax.

As the Tigers left the field, it looked like their season was over.

Across town, at City Oval, the Blue Panthers needed 31 runs from the final 10 overs, with six wickets in hand.

Jake Leith (37) and Connor Weidemann (27) were nearing a 50-run stand, and one eye was on next weekend's fixture.

However, less than an hour later, the Jung Tigers were thankful they were already at the pub and Rup-Minyip were sent crashing out of finals contention for a second season in a row.

The day started on the right note for the Tigers, winning the toss and sending the Saints into the field.

Callum Maybery (14) didn't get a score that credited his courage at the top, weathering and wearing a hostile spell from Jono Carroll to provide a perfect foil for his free-flowing partner.

Brett Jensz latched on to any delivery that wasn't perfect, easing his side to a comfortable 2-80 at drinks.

From there, the Tigers raced at nearly eight runs an over, with Jensz and Angus Adams combining for a 139-run third-wicket stand.

Aiden Laffy (3-43) would eventually capture Jensz' wicket, but not before the opener blasted a dominant 110 that included 15 fours and one six.

Angus Adams continued the attack, finishing unbeaten on 52 to steer his side to 4-230.

The Saints' response couldn't have started worse, losing two wickets within the first three balls.

2-0 quickly became 8-31, thanks to David Puls (3-5) and Lochie Pymer (3-22) and the hosts were in danger of being dismissed below 50 for the second week in a row.

Matt Currill offered some respite, his unbeaten 39 helping the Saints limp to 80.

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Elsewhere, Noradjuha-Toolondo opted to bat and were soon enough questioning the decision at 6-56.

Brent Hudson (3-10) caused damage with the new ball, before Blake Turner (2-21) tore through the middle order.

Bullants skipper Matt Combe was able to dig in and continue his hot form.

Combe posted 58, which combined with Heath Lang's (18) vital late runs, pushed the ladder leaders to 128.

The Bullants were able to pile pressure on the chase earlier, with Tony Caccaviello (3-19) snaring early wickets to leave the finals hopefuls with a hill to climb from 3-22.

Jake Leith shouldered the rebuild and performed the role admirably, with support from Dan Schaper (14) and Connor Weidemann.

However, when he departed at 5-98, it triggered the Blue Panthers' collapse.

The next four wickets would fall for just eight runs as Brendan Wills (4-13) cleaned up the tail.

Corey Morgan (11) battled at the end, but his wicket resigned Rup-Minyip to a second fifth-place finish in a row.

At Sunnyside, West Wimmera flexed its premiership credentials with a six-wicket win against Homers.

Chaminda Gamage (38) and Simon Hopper (34) ensured Homers put runs on the board, but an economical set from Josh Lees (3-15) restricted the hosts to 155.

Lees (42*) also starred with the bat, alongside Nathan Alexander (53), to steer the Warriors to the target with four overs to spare.

In this weekend's semi-finals, Noradjuha-Toolondo takes on Jung Tigers at City Oval, and West Wimmera and Homers meet again at Dimboola.