The Magpies held their nerve in pursuit of Ferntree Gully's total of 236, with Leigh Newey (67 not out) and Scott Vozzo (51) guiding the team home to take the points. Patrick Lee took 5-50 for the Blues.

While Ferntree Gully retains top spot, Belgrave now joins three other teams separated by percentage looking to take the fourth spot.

Adam Wild took six wickets as Knox Gardens brought Monbulk back to the pack. Defending a total of 128, the Falcons dismissed the Hawks for 100 after having them 2-10 last week.

Knox Gardens finished the day on 0-42, claiming their second win of the season. Monbulk may rue the missed chance to consolidate its spot in the top four.

Rowville fell short chasing Johnson Park's mammoth 8-384. Tate Bergman scored an unbeaten 117, with Joe Morsello making 60 in the total of 252 as Rowville lost only four wickets for the day. The win sees the Sharks join Rowville on 30 points in the race for finals.

Eildon Park took the points over St Johns Tecoma, getting home after falling to 8-120.

Shane Cosstick top-scored for the Panthers with Marc Hardy and Adrian Piccioli sharing the bowling.

Alister Lord (46) ensured that Upper Gully won its arm wrestle with The Basin. Shane Underhill and Steve Elworthy were the best of the bowlers for The Basin.

In the final game of the round, Upwey joined Ferntree Gully and Upper Gully on 48 points with its win over Lysterfield.

In Decoite Shield games, South Belgrave upset ladder-leaders Footballers, Knoxfield was way too strong for Mountain Gate and Knox's total of 404 was too much for Auravale.