In-form batsman Matthew Hayes led the way for the Centrals, who were chasing Altona's first innings total of 165.

Hayes made an impressive 114 not out in his side's total of 3-239.

The win made Centrals coach Brendan Parker a "very happy man" and he was pleased his side can head into the finals series in top form.

"I am really happy with the result as we went into the game expecting to win and we did it in the best possible way," Parker said.

"We gave some players who wouldn't normally play a run and they all did really well which shows just how much depth we have at the club leading into the finals."

Parker was full of praise for Hayes who was "a player to watch in the finals".

The coach was pleased the star batsman managed to hit another big score for his side.

The Centrals have been drawn against a strong Burnside team in the semi-final and Parker has not forgotten how badly his side fared the previous time they met.

"It was only two matches ago that they gave us a good spanking on a day when we played really poorly and they played really well."

The semi-final action is on Saturday and Monday at Blackwood Drive Recreational Reserve at 1.15 pm.