SOUTH Warrandyte is on the verge of missing this season's Chandler Shield finals after losing a third successive game, this time failing to overcome an improving South Croydon.

With six wins from seven games, the Hawks sat atop the ladder heading into 2010, yet losses to Croydon North, Bayswater Park and now South Croydon have severely hampered their run towards the grand prize.

On the other hand, South Croydon's recent form has been spectacular, claiming three wins from their last four games, a sharp turnaround after celebrating only one win from their opening six games.

After making 262, the Bulldogs held South Warrandyte to 243 thanks largely to Travis Degenhardt (5-87 off 33 overs), who has risen to every challenge of late.

The battle for a finals berth will come down to the final round with only Mooroolbark safe, though second-placed Templeton should also secure a berth given its healthy percentage.

Those in the mix for positions three and four are South Warrandyte, Croydon North, Bayswater Park and Norwood. Only Croydon North grabbed a win in round 10.

The big upset came via an inspiring performance by Warranwood. Without a win for the season, Sam Gibson and Davie Johnson tore through Bayswater Park's batsmen, claiming three wickets each to help their team register a 98-run victory.

Elsewhere, Croydon North's Ash Williams (4-51) helped skittle Norwood for 163 in a contest that could well decide the finals position of both teams, Wonga Park fell four runs short in its chase against Croydon Ranges, while North Ringwood (171) failed to capitalise on a solid start to haul in Wantirna South's 209.

The final round of the regular season sees Norwood host a must-win game against top team Mooroolbark, second-placed Templeton at home to Bayswater Park in a game the latter must win to make the finals, while South Warrandyte will need the points at Wantirna South and Croydon North will need to do the same at Wonga Park.

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