The Hoppers sealed the minor premiership by a convincing 15 points after a five-wicket win at Lavington Sportsground No.2 Oval.

Lavington had trumpeted it would field its strongest pace battery in two years, but took a cautious approach after David Tassell injured his hamstring against Wodonga Raiders on February 20, while Nathan Brown had work commitments.

That will instill confidence in the Panthers they can match anyone in the top eight, but North will also be optimistic its potent mix will be difficult to overcome.

The Panthers compiled an impressive 7-196 with No. 7 Jayden Beaumont rescuing the home team by smashing 85 from 66 deliveries, including six boundaries and four sixes.

"We gave him a couple of chances early and then after that he pretty well punished us, just struck the ball really well, hats off to him," North paceman Brandon Purtell said.

The Panthers had slumped to 6-71, but a 111-run stand between the hard-hitting Beaumont and exciting teenager Eddy Schultheis (24 not out) lifted the team to that competitive total.

However, the visitors' top order took the match away, albeit sealing the win with only eight balls left.

Tim Hartshorn posted his second successive half-century, hitting 10 boundaries and a six in his 64, while openers Matt Condon (42) and Anthony Hartshorn (33) produced a 56-run partnership, while Cal Langlands (39no) was solid.

"'Ant' Hartshorn and Matt Condon, they did exactly what we asked of them and put the pressure back on 'Lavi' and I think our batsmen got the better of them," Purtell said.

"And with Cal Langlands, the way he finished the game, it's something we know he can do and we've been waiting, but he really proved why he's in our top order."

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Batting is all about partnerships and after the half-century start, the Hoppers followed it with 40 and 58-run stands.

CAW will now stage its first top eight finals system with North hosting Belvoir, while Lavington is home to East Albury in Saturday's qualifying finals.

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The final ladder (after 22 rounds) is: North 90, St Patrick's 75, Albury 72, Lavington 72, East Albury 66, Corowa 63, Wodonga 60, Belvoir 54, New City 45, Tallangatta 39, Wodonga Raiders 24.