Umpires made the surprise call early in the second quarter after persistent rain seeped under the asphalt just beyond a sideline.

The shift to the spare court didn’t upset the Tigers, who had rushed to an 11-goal lead and ran out upset 37-32 winners.

The win lifted them to sixth place with a 5-5 record and only one match and percentage out of the top five, behind the 6-4 Power.

Tigers coach Tania Ross praised Power officials for how quickly they were able to set up the second court.

“The guys at Kolora-Noorat, they sorted it out really quickly. They were surprised when the umpire brought it to their attention,” she said.

“But as soon as she did, it was all hands on deck. They got us going as quickly as possible.”

Ross said the fast start held Merrivale in good stead. The margin closed to three in the last quarter before the visitors added a couple of goals late.

Goal defence Kate Ryan and wing defence Nicole Ferguson were the pick of the Tigers “and you could throw a blanket over everyone else”.

“We knew coming in it was a huge game. Obviously we play Kolora-Noorat again in two weeks and we’ve got Timboon (Demons) in between,” Ross said.

“The next two are just as important as yesterday was. We were really keen to get out and play our best netball, or somewhere near it, and we did that.

“We’re still searching for a bit of consistency but I’m happy that will come.”

Faye Clarke, Laura Kemp and Linda Clifford led the way for the Power. The result means as many as nine sides — down to eight-ranked Deakin University and ninth-ranked Russells Creek — remain in the race for finals.

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au