The BCA was beaten in its third round robin match on Wednesday and now sets sights on a semi-final battle with the Goulburn Murray league.

The two semi-final winners earn promotion from division two for the 2020 carnival.

Ballarat suffered its first loss of the tournament on Wednesday at the hands of Latrobe Valley at the Moorleigh Community Village Reserve in Bentleigh East.

Batting first, the BCA boys lost early wickets to be 4-50 and in early trouble.

With Leigh Lorenzen (North Ballarat), Ryan and Jason Knowles (Brown Hill) and Harli Givvens (Buninyong) back in the sheds, it was opener Mathew Begbie (Wendouree) and Jarrod Burns (Mt Clear) that resurrected the innings.

The pair put together a partnership of 72 before Burns was dismissed for 36.

Brendan Moyle (Mt Clear) then added a handy 29 as Begbie chipped away before being caught for 76.

In the end, Ballarat was bowled out on the last ball of the innings for a respectable 208.

Ryan Ayres was the main destroyer for Latrobe Valley, snaring 5-46 from his 10 overs.

It was then a well orchestrated run chase from Latrobe Valley, which hauled in the target with four wickets and an over in hand.

Michael Higgins made 70 and Brendan Mason 74 for the winners.

Ballarat tried seven bowlers in a bid to defend its total, with skipper Ryan Knowles proving the best with 2-37.

Despite losing on Wednesday, Ballarat still finished top of its pool.

The BCA accumulated 10 points from its first two victories on Monday and Tuesday to be clear of second-placed Leongatha and District.

That has set up a clash with Goulburn Murray - second in the other pool - on Thursday at Walter Galt Reserve in Parkdale.

Victory will earn Ballarat promotion and a place in Friday's division two final.