The race for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup finals could hardly be closer, with just 0.04 of a point separating fourth and fifth heading into the final round.
Every wicket and run will be vital, with four of the top five sides facing off.
Ladder-leader Bacchus Marsh will face fourth-placed Romsey, while third-placed Woodend will face fifth-placed Gisborne.
Romsey moved into the top four for the first time this season with victory against Rupertswood on Saturday.
Resuming at 1-40 in reply to Rupo’s 154, Romsey looked to get the job done quickly.
Besides a period when it lost 3-9, going from 1-85 to 4-94, Romsey looked in control all day.
It made the runs five wickets down before going on to make 242.
Skipper Ben Way led the way with 86, while Chris Burkett hit 59.
Romsey sent Rupo back in searching for an outright win, but Rupo held strong, finishing 4-132.
Romsey’s win moved it above Gisborne, despite the Dragons beating Sunbury.
A century to skipper Jarryd Vernon was the key for the Dragons after they looked in trouble early chasing Sunbury’s 136.
Resuming at 2-6, the Dragons were quickly 4-18 before Vernon and Jay King rescued the innings. They put on 153 to guide the side past the needed total before they were bowled out for 239.
Vernon made 127 off 111 balls, including 21 fours and one six, while King was watchful in his 23 off 117 balls.
Sunbury finished 0-77 in its second innings, with the result ending its finals hopes.
Bacchus Marsh sealed top spot with a strong win against Riddell in a top-of-the-table clash.
Resuming at 0-32 in reply to the Bombers’ 130, the Bulls were five wickets down when they hit the winning runs. The Bulls were 5-177 when both sides decided to end the match, with James Lidgett 74 not out.
The Bombers need a win in the final round to ensure they remain in second spot.
The battle at the other end of the ladder will also go into the final round, with the bottom three teams separated by less than six points.
Lancefield moved from bottom, and the relegation zone, with victory against Diggers Rest Bulla. The Burras resumed at 4-38 chasing the Tigers’ 127. They were all out for 95. The Tigers made 6-155 in their second innings.
Despite making the second highest total of the round, Sunbury United slipped to last after losing to Woodend.
