Bendigo defeated perennial finalist Sale-Maffra by 12 runs yesterday to top the ladder after two rounds.

A victory today over second-placed Kyabram would all but guarantee Bendigo a grand final berth.

“We’ve played well over the first two days, but we can’t afford to drop off,’’ Bendigo coach David Rosaia said after yesterday’s win.

“Today was a big win for us. To beat a quality side like Sale was a big effort.

“We’re getting good contributions across the board which is a great sign.’’

A brilliant half-century from Ben Gunn set up Bendigo’s total of 8-227.

After making 40 on day one, Gunn made 68 off 79 balls yesterday.

He combined with Heath Behrens (41 off 59 balls) a late replacement for Grant Connelly, for a crucial 88-run third-wicket partnership.

Tim Wood (30), Nick Crawford (34) and Brad Orton (27 off 16 balls) ensured Bendigo passed 200.

Bendigo skipper Adam Burns gave his side a brilliant start with the ball.

The left-armer took three early wickets to have Sale-Maffra reeling at 3-27.

However, a superb partnership between M. Foster and former Victorian representative Ian Wrigglesworth turned the game back in Sale-Maffa’s favour.

The duo added 128 for the fourth wicket to put Sale-Maffra on track for victory.

Richard Tibbett got the breakthrough Bendigo desperately needed when Foster (62) was well caught by Behrens at cover.

The wicket sparked a collapse of 5-25 as medium-pacers Matt Kile and Brad Orton did the damage.Paceman Ben DeAraugo chipped in with the final two scalps, including the final wicket of Wrigglesworth (95 off 118 balls), to seal Bendigo’s win in the final over.

Yesterday’s results - Kyabram 4-226 d Geelong 9-195; Ballarat 230 d Murray Valley 9-217; Mornington 6-333 d Warrnambool 7-235.

Ladder - Bendigo 32.69, Kyabram 32.27, Mornington 20.70, Ballarat 19.92, Sale-Maffra 19.80, Geelong 18.60, Murray Valley 7.28, Warrnambool 6.45.

Today’s games - Bendigo v Kyabram at Sunshine, Ballarat v Mornington, Sale-Maffra v Geelong, Warrnambool v Murray Valley.