In a see-sawing match, Exies' very competitive total of 195 proved to be too much for Yoogali who were forced to hit out late in the day as the equation tipped in favour of the defending premier.

A critical moment shifted the mometeum of the game yesterday, when in-form pace bowler Chris Mansell got two wickets in as many balls to ensure Yoogali had two fresh batsmen at the crease with a challenging run rate required.

In the end the tight contest went the way of the champions, with skipper Brent Harrison relieved his side has another chance to lift the trophy.

"It was a close game really. Only about 30 runs difference between 160 overs played across the weekend is pretty close," Harrison said.

"We just worked on partnerships and they were a lot better than the previous week so that was good and Glen (Bock) and Derek (Forner) were good early.

"We were confident at the change of innings of knocking them over because 195 is still a pretty good total. I would have liked to have made 200 or a bit over 200, but you still take that total batting first."

However, Harrison said his side would be working extensively on their fielding during the week, saying the chances they gave Yoogali could cost them the title next week when they meet Hanwood.

"We dropped six catches - three in the first session and the Yoogali openers put 60-odd on, a couple of the chances in slips were pretty easy ... so I think we dropped five chances before the first wicket fell," he said.

"At the end of the day last weekend was a long couple of days, and this weekend we did some long spells as well, so trying to do it for three weekends is tough, but we can't give Hanwood that many second chances next weekend."

For Yoogali and captain Nathan Cahill it was a case of so close yet so far in a season that shocked many except for the players themseves.

"I think it was a pretty even match all-round, we tried to put the pressure on them early when they were batting, but we dropped a few catches and they grinded it out," Cahill said.