The Seagulls went into the penultimate round armed with the knowledge that an outright against bottom-of-the-ladder Broadmoeadows Falcons would keep their finals flame alive.

The Falcons were in desperate trouble on 5-87 and maximum points seemed within arm's reach for the home side.

That was until all-rounder Ruuska set the Williamstown Cricket Ground ablaze with an entertaining array of shots to make 61 and advance his side to 213 in 69.1 overs before his dismissal marked the end of the fun.

"He got stuck into us a little bit," Seagulls skipper Craig Sheedy lamented.

"He came out and had a bit of a go and it came off for him. We didn't bowl too bad and he just hit the ball real well. There wasn't a lot we could do there."

Seagulls player-coach Brenton Hodges was never far from the thick of the action.

The wicketkeeper reeled in four catches and a stumping to lead from the front.

The three-time VSDCA team of the year member and former Geelong first XI player has also lit up with the bat since Christmas. "His batting has been really good in the last couple of games," Sheedy said. "He's doing a good job so hopefully he can continue that on this week."

With the exception of the whirlwind innings of Ruuska, the Falcons never threatened to record an unassailable target. Young speedster James Bailey set the scene with the new ball, taking 3-27 off 12 overs.

"He's bowling with some pace and really straight so he's asking the question all the time," Sheedy said.

Cain Speakman, a medium-pacer who has yo-yo'd between the firsts and seconds in his comeback to the Seagulls after a break last summer, produced his most encouraging display: 3-27 from 11.1 overs. He also claimed the prized scalp of Ruuska when he was threatening to go on and make a ton.

Sheedy's ever-consistent contribution was crucial. He picked up two wickets, including Falcons dangerman Ben Rose.