Numurkah escaped with a narrow one-wicket victory against Nagambie in a result that has huge ramifications for the C-grade ladder.
The sixth-placed Lakers needed a win to guarantee a finals spot, however, it now leaves them facing fifth-placed Shepparton United in a final round do-or-die bout.
After posting 162 on the opening day of play, Nagambie got off to a flyer in the field as Numurkah lurched to 2-11.
But a match-winning 79-run knock from Jason Verhoeven helped the Blues get past triple figures, before he was dismissed with the side needing eight runs to win.
Nagambie's Jarryd Shepherd (4-24) almost single-handily dragged his side over the line, but brave efforts from Daniel Hughes (23 not out) and Riley Dawson (eight not out) got the Blues to 9-164 off 77 overs.
● Tatura has won its third match in a row after defending 199 against Shepparton United at Tatura Park.
The home side was in control early after two quick wickets, however, experienced batting performances from Russell Jarrett (63 runs) and Steve Tate (43) ensured the visitors would not go down without a fight.
But Tatura's level-headed spinner, Paul Mahoney (4-19), wrestled the result back in his side's favour as the home side hung on for a tense 20-run win.
● In SJ Perry Shield action, Waaia clinched a comfortable victory against Central Park-St Brendan's in an emphatic run chase.
The Bombers cruised to victory after they reached the Tigers’ total of 8-146 with six wickets in hand and two half-centuries to batsmen Danny Glover (54 runs) and Heath Platfuss (50).
Karramomus suffered the same fate as Central Park-St Brendan's, going down by six wickets to Northerners at Vibert Reserve.
The Jets’ Jason Wisely (4-5) caused headaches for the home side as it tumbled to 73 off 31 overs.
Northerners easily chased down that total off 25 overs, thanks to Jason Lakeman (30 not out) and Declan Newbound (24 not out).
● A rare tie between Mooroopna and Katandra headlined the round of Whitelock Shield action.
Mooroopna reached 8-173 batting first, only for the Eagles to reply with a thrilling run chase that finished with Katandra bowled all out on 173 from 35 overs.
Katandra's Finn Walters tried his hardest to get his side over the line with a dazzling 60-run knock, as the nerves got the best of his teammates.
Pine Lodge recorded a dominant win against Murchison away from home.
The Lodgers piled on 8-242 and were guided by outstanding trio Ryan McKenna (70 runs), Damian Pigatto (69) and Lee Talbot (51).
Murchison's Bennett Thompson (45 not out) gave a spirited performance in the run chase, however, Wil Norman (2-24) made sure the Lodgers restricted the home side to 6-134.
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