Merewether captain Simon Moore said his side would take "confidence" into a must-win, last-round clash after the Lions knocked over previously unbeaten leaders Wests by eight wickets on Saturday.
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The hosts bundled out the Rosellas, who will now finish minor premiers, for 79 at Townson Oval as they kept alive their title aspirations in the race towards the 2020-21 finals series.
Merewether (44 points) jumped to fifth spot on the Newcastle District Cricket Association ladder and are at home to second-placed Belmont (50) this weekend and next.
Despite being outside the top four, the Lions, City (43), Wallsend (40) and even Charlestown (37) can all still make the semis if they record wins, collect enough points and other results go their way.
Frontrunners Wests (60), who had only dropped a separate T20 game this campaign, have an unassailable lead while Hamilton-Wickham (47) and Stockton (46) sit third and fourth respectively.
It means, outside Wests, the remaining three teams to qualify for the finals won't be locked in until after the last ball of the regular season on March 13.
Although pleased with Merewether's most recent showing Moore knows victory in round 13 might not be enough, but the Lions have no other choice if they want to stay in the trophy hunt.
"It was a good day for us," Moore said.
"There was a fair bit in it [the pitch] early and we were able to take advantage of that.
"They [Wests] have been the benchmark in all formats this season so we'll take some confidence out of that.
"First and foremost though we now need to beat Belmont because if we don't do that we can forget about anything."
Merewether won the toss and bowled in the already rain-affected fixture, washed out completely on day one.
Sam Holding, who was called up late for injured Lions leg-spinner Courtney Moulton (hand), took 3-19 while Sam O'Sullivan (3-15) and Tim O'Neill (2-19) were also among the wickets.
Dave Celep (43 not out) top scored as the the home side reached the target two down in the 39th over.
Elsewhere, Hamwicks ensured they held onto third position by accounting for the Tigers by seven wickets at Wallsend Oval.
Returning Pumas skipper Matt Webber took 4-17 and Jack Hartigan made 61 not out as the visitors reeled in Wallsend's 9-129 with 9.1 overs to spare.
Belmont won by 72 runs at Cahill Oval against University, who lost 6-8 at the end of their innings to be dismissed for 148. Luke Muddle finished with figures of 5-4.
Keith Moody (77 not out) continued his run of form as Stockton reeled in Toronto's 4-155 just four wickets down at Lynn Oval.
Callan Fowler claimed 5-30 as City held off hosts Waratah-Mayfield by 66 runs after making 8-152.
Rory Maddison (5-38) starred for Charlestown (6-210) against Cardiff-Boolaroo (146) at Pasterfield.
LADDER: Wests 60, Belmont 50, Hamilton-Wickham 47, Stockton 46, Merewether 44, City 43, Wallsend 40, Charlestown 37, Toronto 27, Waratah-Mayfield 26, University 25, Cardiff-Boolaroo 10.
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