Defending 316, the Panthers bowled out Monbulk for 85 to retain second spot on the ladder.

After bowling Monbulk out within 40 overs, the Panthers went for the outright but were repelled as Monbulk finished on 0-38 from the remaining 21 overs.

Panthers coach Nathan McNally said the win would help his side's run rate as the finals approached.

"We are a bit clear of that next rung of teams now but still close with Johnson Park and Footballers on points so run rate will come into effect now meaning that win was very good for us."

McNally commended his bowlers on taking early wickets with Steve Pimm (4-18) and Cam Cosstick (3-21) doing the damage.

"We were rapt to bowl them out so quickly so we could have another crack at them," he said. "But they knuckled down in their second dig."

The Panthers face Belgrave in a two-day clash starting this Saturday and McNally said his side needed another win to keep its place in the top-two as ladder-leader Upwey Tecoma awaits them the following match.

"We owe Belgrave after they beat us earlier in the year," he said. "The boys will need to be ready to go because it will be a big match."

Upwey Tecoma continued its march towards finals, moving three games clear on top following victory over The Basin.

The Huntsmen, chasing 313, were dismissed for 93 with Leigh Bianchi taking 6-21 for the Tigers. In its second innings the Basin posted 3-116 with Heath (58 not out) and Rundle (49) ensuring no outright occurred.

A solid innings by Jayden Bradbury provided Ferntree Gully the base for their win over Johnson Park.

The Blues started the day at 0-20 chasing the Sharks 146 and despite the loss of some early wickets they ground out a win with only six wickets down. Usman Arif and Andrew Gottliebsen toiled away without much luck for the Sharks.

Johnson Park remains in the top four despite the loss although it has come back to the pack with six teams separated by six points.