Defending 219, Templeton couldn't hold off Bayswater Park's Adam Waite (77) and Ben Beech (45), who combined to push their team to 6-223, enough for the win but not enough to jump inside the top four.

In another exciting match, Norwood also narrowly missed the final four after making its biggest score of the season to beat top team Mooroolbark by 46 runs.

Sloppy with the bat for most of the season, Norwood left its run too late and will wonder what might have been had its batting matched its bowling this season.

Matthew Jonson (136 not out) and Andrew Downs (88 not out) certainly walked away with their heads held high for the Vikings.

The thrilling finale to the regular season left Mooroolbark and South Warrandyte in the top two spots, which come with a double chance.

Croydon North and Templeton will battle it out in a cut-throat semi-final.

Croydon North cemented its place with a win over Wonga Park. Chasing 264, Shane Findlay (93), Chris Noy (85 not out) and James Swanton (34) steered the Knights to 3-269.

In other games, South Croydon's stunning second half of the season continued with an emphatic win over Croydon Ranges.

Andrew Spittle (70 not out) led Warranwood to a narrow win over North Ringwood.

South Warrandyte's Steve Lindsay (3-35) did enough to help the Hawks past Wantirna South.

Meanwhile, East Ringwood, Lilydale, Chirnside Park and Warrandyte will battle it out for the Wilkins Cup.

The winner will replace Warranwood in Chandler Shield next season.

The winner out of Olinda, Eastfield, Warrandyte and Wantirna South in the Newey Plate will take the place of Templeton in the Wilkins Cup.