Needing an outright win to sneak into the top six, the Eagles couldn’t have asked for a better start to the final round match, making 7-236 declared off just 47 overs.

The Raiders then limped to 5-97 before stumps with skipper Josh Warren-Marmo holding the innings together on 56no.

While Belvoir skipper Ryan McNeil was remaining coy about his team’s chances of winning outright, he said the Eagles would be pressing hard.

“You don’t get outright points very often but we are going to have a good crack at it,” McNeil said.

“All the boys wanted to give it a good go.

“It’s a miracle opportunity but we were really happy with how day one went and hopefully we can back it up next week.”

While sixth-placed St Patrick’s is safe after grabbing first innings points against New City on Saturday, Lavington and Tallangatta face tough tasks against Wodonga and Albury and could miss the finals if Belvoir win outright against Wodonga Raiders.

Drew Cameron and John Spencer were outstanding for Belvoir with 73 and 59 respectively, while Cameron Lodding made a quickfire 40 to ensure an early declaration.

McNeil said Warren-Marmo’s wicket would be vital.

“He’s obviously a good batsman and we have to get him out,” he said.

Lavington skipper Sam Harris scored his second century of the season to enable the Panthers to reach 9-256 against Wodonga at Les Cheesley Oval.

Harris made 108, with support coming down the order from Tom Hargreave (42) and Josh Jones (34).

Leading wicket-taker Brendan Klein-Boonschate was the pick of the Bulldog bowlers with 3-54 off 19 overs.