Merewether jumped in, Hamilton-Wickham slipped out, Belmont and Stockton held on, City narrowly missed and Wallsend launched a late bid.
All while minor premiers Wests suffered a second straight defeat, having not dropped a game earlier in 2020-21.
That was the result following an extraordinary final day of the regular season, with five separate matches having the potential to directly impact the make up of the top four in the Newcastle District Cricket Association first-grade competition.
In the end, with only eight points between second and seventh spots on the ladder, it was Merewether (50 points) clinching fourth and joining opponents Belmont (54), Stockton (52) and Wests (61) in the semis.
The Lions, who started day two of the last round in fifth position and needing three runs to beat second-placed Belmont with one wicket in hand, lost on first innings but fought back to claim an outright victory in the dying stages of a see-sawing affair.
Sixteen wickets fell at Townson Oval on Saturday, the first without a change to the 103 total, but the hosts rolled Belmont for 94 in the second dig and eventually reached 5-96 with 13 balls to spare.
"It was disappointing not to get the runs at the start of the day, but to fight back the way we did showed a lot of character and I thought our bowlers did a great job," Merewether captain Simon Moore said.
Players walked off the field after 6:30pm, however, unlike Belmont the finals deal wasn't completely done for Merewether who were awaiting word from Wallsend Oval.
The Tigers (46), who resumed 56 behind at 3-112, pushed for maximum points against Charlestown (38) to try and make the play-offs via tally or quotient.
Wallsend captain Nathan Price (136 not out) took charge, raising the bat for three figures after 81 balls and smashing Isaac Wallace (0-92) for five straight sixes. They declared at 4-289, ahead by 121, but the Magpies survived to be 8-145 after 68 overs.
T20 Summer Bash champions City (49) also put themselves in contention but ultimately finished one point shy of the top four despite completing an upset against Wests by 34 runs at Harker Oval.
Stockton and Hamwicks (48) experienced contrasting fortunes after starting inside the top four and being five down chasing totals. The Seagulls prevailed by two wickets against the Sea Dragons at University Oval but the Pumas dropped to sixth after falling 46 runs short of Toronto at Passmore Oval.
This weekend's semi-finals see Wests at home to Merewether and third-placed Stockton away to Belmont at Cahill Oval.
Elsewhere in round 13, Cardiff-Boolaroo (170) lost to Waratah-Mayfield (8-298) at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
LADDER: Wests 61, Belmont 54, Stockton 52, Merewether 50, City 49, Hamwicks 48, Wallsend 46, Charlestown 38, Toronto 33, Waratah-Mayfield 32, Uni 26, CBs 11.
