The Panthers embarrassed North's strong batting lineup for just 87 runs from 29.4 overs and charged to a nine-wicket win off only 13.3 overs at the Lavington Sportsground.

Nathan Brown claimed his best figures of the season, snaring 5-21 from nine overs.

"Yeah, I reckon it would be, by far," Brown said when quizzed if it was his best bowling of the summer.

"I stayed tall and hit the spot."

The match was delayed for 90 minutes due to the light morning rain with the match reduced from a 50 to a 46-over game apiece, but Lavington coach Sam O'Connor said it certainly wasn't a case of the toss deciding the match.

"No, definitely not, North won the toss and elected to bat," he said.

"We bowled exceptionally well, we've played them the last three times and been able to knock them over."

North's paltry total smashed its previous lowest score of 126 against Lavington in round 12.

The Hoppers are the only team to beat the Panthers - in round two - but that seems a lifetime ago.

CAW officials will be thankful they changed the grand final from a one-off decider to an historic three-game series because that would have been an embarrassing finish to a strong season.

North captain Ash Borella politely declined an interview after the mauling, which finished at 4.18pm.

The Hoppers will now host Lavington on Sunday, with an 11.30am start, weather permitting.

North must win to keep the series alive.