REIGNING premiers Albion Park will have a chance to defend their title after a narrow win over Shellharbour in the final round of the South Coast Cricket Premier League season.
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The defending champions faced last-placed Shellharbour in the final round; the winner would clinch fourth spot while the loser may be relegated to first grade next season.
After a roller-coaster opening day, Park resumed at 6-87, needing another 29 runs for first innings points and the prize of fourth place.
The Park's lower-order stood firm, led by veteran Scott Coombes (21) - batting at number eight - and passed Shellharbour's 115 before being bowled out for 134.
Shellharbour were left requiring an unlikely outright victory and led by Ken Nguyen's aggressive 59, declared at 5-164 to give themselves 36 overs to bowl the Park out.
With the home side at 0-57 in reply, both teams shook hands, leaving the Park to take on minor premiers Lake Illawarra in the semi-finals this weekend.
Shellharbour managed only one win all season and will be relegated to first grade, provided either minor premiers The Rail or Gerringong win the first grade grand final.
Warilla Kookas missed the semi-finals, and it may be just as well if their batting effort against minor premiers Lake Illawarra is any indication.
Chasing the Lakers' 206, the home side were 8-14 before Shaun Ryan's unbeaten 16 at least ensured the home side batted past the first hour of the second day, before being bowled out for 38.
Greg Connor (5-14) and Aaron Henry (4-19) ran through the Kookas in just 17 overs.
Kiama Cavaliers will face Oak Flats again in the semi-finals after the Rats completed an outright win at Geoff Shaw Oval.
After the home side had established a 58-run first innings lead last week, they were far from convincing in their second innings before being dismissed for 117.
Ron McMahon (26 not out), Brett Morrow and Zac Hilton were the pick of the Rats' batsmen, while Kyle Brooker, Glenn Cleary, Sam Wolf and Josh Norris all bowled well for the Cavs.
Kiama put in a brave effort in the chase, with Dan Reilly making a rare appearance, scoring a bright 47, and Liam Tutty 28 as the side was all out for 132.
Rats captain Ryan Chatterton bagged 4-24, while Phil Dell'Orefice snared 3-36.
