A final round loss wasn’t enough to knock Eynesbury out of the top four, with the Eagles to play finals in their first season in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
The Eagles entered the final round of the B-grade season needing a win to seal a top four spot, or rely on St Anthonys beating East Sunbury to stay in the top four.
The Eagles let slip the chance to seal fourth spot on their own, losing to Macedon.
Missing both the Castle brothers, Hayden and Luke, on day one of the match the Eagles were disappointing and were bowled out for 135.
The Cats were 3-29 at stumps.
It was a strong batting performance from the Cats on Saturday, who made the runs for the loss of five wickets. They continued to bat on, finishing 6-221.
Liam Norris took three wickets, as all 11 Eagles players were given a bowl.
It meant the Eagles finals hopes came down to the match between St Anthony’s Saints and East Sunbury Thunder.
Fortunately for the Eagles, the Thunder fell 40 runs short against the Saints, ensuring a finals spot for the Eagles.
St Anthonys had made 272 on day one of the match, with the Thunder all out for 233 with just over 10 overs remaining.
That result meant the Eagles finished fourth, just over five points clear of the Thunder.
Despite defeating East Sunbury, St Anthonys slipped from first to second on the back of a massive win from Wallan against Kyneton.
The Magpies made 7-404 before bowling the Tigers out for 156.
The result meant the Magpies finished 1.06 points clear of the Saints.
The Magpies will face the Eagles and the Saints will play Ashfield in the semi finals, with grand final spots on the line in both matches.
Other final round winners were Ashfield and Bacchus Marsh.
Meanwhile in the McIntyre Cup, Bacchus Marsh finished the regular season on a high with a big win against Romsey.
With top spot already sealed up, the Bulls were looking to complete the regular season undefeated. Romsey resumed at 2-4, needing 325 for victory, but they never got close, bowled out for 113. Jared Taylor took 4-10.
The Bulls made 190 in their second innings with Daniel Lalor top scoring with 38.
The Bulls now face Romsey for a spot in the grand final, while Riddell hosts Woodend in the other semi final. Diggers Rest Bulla finished its season with a win, defeating Rupertswood.
The Burras made 237 in replay to Rupo’s 156.
The Burras finished the season in seventh with four wins. Sunbury and Riddell were the other winners on Saturday.
