Rounds 14 and 10 belonged to Rochester after it defied the odds and knocked out fourth-placed Cooma and kept its premiership defence alive.
Each spot from first to fifth on the ladder changed after the completion of the two rounds, with Rochester the biggest winner of them all.
Last year's premier won its matches against Bamawm-Lockington United and Echuca South, while Cooma dropped both matches to finish in fifth spot.
But Rochester was made to earn its place in the post-season, claiming a tense eight-run victory against United in Saturday's round 14 match.
With 241 on the board, Rochester halted United on 9-233 after 80 overs, despite a stunning unbeaten century from Greg Pearse (135 not out).
Dylan Cuttriss (4-51) worked wonders with the ball in the thrilling win.
And in Sunday's win against Echuca South it was Cuttriss who again stood tall with an impressive unbeaten 87.
Teammate Angus Martin scored a brilliant unbeaten 83 alongside Cuttriss, as the duo combined for a brilliant 161-run partnership in the 4-235 total.
Youngster Waugh George (3-22) and captain Sean Williams (3-17) made sure South was not a threat in the run chase.
● Kyabram Fire Brigade's Daniel Kent blasted a ton in the Flames’ dominant round 14 win against Cooma.
Kent crunched 23 boundaries in his 128-run knock from 184 deliveries as the Flames reached 301.
However, the Flames were on the receiving end of a heavy defeat to Moama the following day, going down by six wickets against the eventual ladder-leader.
A superb 70 not out from Kyabram's Kaine Herbert was outdone by Moama's Brad Jones (76 runs).
● Tongala saluted in its matches to lock in second spot on the ladder.
The Blues knocked Cooma from the top-four with Sunday's comprehensive 61-run win.
Captain Daniel Coombs smashed 71 runs in Tongala's 183-run total, while Darin Ohlsen collected 3-29 with the ball.
Cooma's Drew Barrett led the way and notched a brave half-century as the Two Blues slumped to 122 in their run chase.
● The weekend's results mean the first week of finals will have Moama welcome Rochester at Moama Recreation Reserve.
And in the other semi-final, a fierce rivalry will be renewed when Tongala and Kyabram Fire Brigade square off.