The host team Cobram Panel Works Panthers pulled off an astounding bowling performance against the SRP Mud Dogs to keep their season alive.
All four franchises have now won one game with one round remaining after the Panthers secured a four-run triumph in round two.
Captain Matt Jaensch was the hero in the final over as his side defended 5-136, claiming a hat-trick to quell the Mud Dogs’ chances of victory superbly.
The reigning premier had been cruising at 2-97 thanks to a 76-run stand between Joel Brett (42 from 28) and Taylor Beard (48 from 44), but once the wickets began to fall the run-a-ball rate required proved too much to handle.
Jaensch finished with 3-17 from his four overs, joining teammate Jack Craig (2-13 this round) as the only men to take hat-tricks in the competition's short history.
Adam De Cicco (2-18) and Tyron Baden (2-18) also bowled extremely well for the Panthers, with seam-up bowling doing the job for the hosts.
It was the opposite for the Mud Dogs as spin again looked likely to deliver them success, as Alistair McCann (2-25), Mitch Troy (1-16) and Liam Smith (1-16) turned the screws nicely just as the Panthers looked to lift the intensity with the bat.
It was Andrew Hogan (35 from 24) and Isaac Willett (33 from 28) who did most of the damage with the bat for the hosts, while Netherlands international Scott Edwards made 16 at the top of the order.
Beard also snared 1-14 with the ball before his batting efforts.
Brett departed with 40 runs required for victory, but not before one of his two maximums landed in the hands of a magenta-clad crowd member — who in turn received $1500 from Cobram Panel Works for his troubles.
Round three at Deakin Reserve on January 31 will now act as a virtual preliminary final day, with Hurley's Hotel Hounds tackling the Panthers and the Mud Dogs hosting Jarvis Delahey Crushers.
The winners of each clash will go through to the season two decider.
More local sport
After The Jack - State title heading back to Shepparton
Vale Robbie Orrman, legend of the GVL
State Champions Week - Familiar faces shining on the big stage
8°C