Chasing Dennington’s 193, the 10th-placed Gators, despite the efforts of Brad Sheen (55) and Matt Brophy (41), were facing their seventh loss in 10 matches at 9-168.

But number seven Rowan Ault (33 not out) and number 11 Tom Loughnan (30) combined for a match-winning 51-run stand as the Gators finished with 219.

While they enjoyed making a splash so deep in the season, McDonald said his side had almost thrown away a good launching pad of 3-120.

“It was an entertaining game,” he said.

“It was a great win but it also shows what we are capable of, which is a bit disappointing. Our best cricket is good enough to beat anyone but we haven’t produced it for long enough.

“We haven’t made any excuses. We have been disappointed with the way we’ve played.

“It shows what can happen if you apply yourselves.”

Dennington skipper Dustin Drew said the result — his side’s first loss of the season — was no cause for panic despite slipping to second.

“I much rather than it now than in two weeks,” he said referring to the semi-finals.

“If you had said at the start of the season we would finish in the top four and have our first loss in round 10, I would have said you were kidding. 

“It was disappointing to lose but you can take a few things out of a loss.”

grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au