Second-placed Port Fairy and third-ranked Koroit tied 46-all at Gardens Oval.

Saints coach Jacqui Bowman said the game gave her side a clearer picture of its standing in the competition.

“A draw leaves you with a bit of an empty feeling after a hard slog all game,” she said.

“There were things we were pleased with and things we need to improve.

“Our defensive pressure was really good all over the court and the fact we didn’t give up – they skipped to a three or four-goal lead (at times) and we were able to keep with them was pleasing.

“We need to work on keeping possession of the ball and not making as many unforced errors.”

Bowman praised goal shooter Nell Mitchell for her strong efforts under the ring.

She said premiership Saint Teagan Lang, who warmed the bench and spent five minutes on the court as a fill-in, only made a cameo during a visit from Adelaide.

Port Fairy coach Megan Titmus said the margin “up and down all day”.

“We were down again in the last quarter and came back again for a draw,” she said.

Seagulls teenager Carly Watson was steady in defence.

“She is still learning the role of goal defence because she played goals last year,” Titmus said.

“But she listens well and tries to implement that on court.

“She’s eager to learn."

North Warrnambool Eagles coach Jody Roth said her side overcame a number of obstacles to score a gritty five-goal win over Portland at Hanlon Park.

Two key players, Laura Lafferty and Georgia Corbett, were forced to spend extended periods on the bench after they were unable to take piercings out.

“It was unfortunate but rules are rules – we can’t wear jewelry,” Roth said.

“We hope all umpires are as vigilant.”

Roth said two of the Eagles’ 15 and under talents, Molly McKinnon and Zoe Bussell, stepped up to fill the void.

“They were critical to the win,” she said.

“Molly was sensational in goal keeper and Zoe played in wing defence.”

Roth said the physicality of the game was tough on her young team.

“We had a sensational first quarter and the next three quarters were so physical it was scary,” she said.

“It was a credit to our North girls – we weren’t undisciplined.

“I pride myself on coaching disciplined netball.”

The second-year Eagles mentor praised Portland teenager Tayla Falconer for her efforts in the Tigers’ attacking goal circle.

In other games, finals hopeful Terang Mortlake shook off a plucky Hamilton Kangaroos after half-time to win 54-37 and pace-setter Camperdown disposed of Warrnambool 56-36.