The Saints and the Tigers went into the clash without a win to their names, despite showing promise in the first three rounds.

But it was the visitors who prevailed, claiming a 52-31 victory.

Saints coach Di Hayes said her side deserved the triumph.

“It was a super win for us, it was certainly great to finally get the four points,” she said.

“The girls have worked very hard and getting the win is just a reward for us.”

Hayes said the Saints had grown in confidence despite having a tough start to the season.

“We’ve played probably two of the benchmark teams in the competition in Horsham and Ararat and I thought we were competitive in both games,” she said.

“We know we can push some of these bigger teams, so hopefully now we’ve got our first points we can go on and continue to play good netball.”

Goal defence Jarni Hansen and mid-court player Katelyn Ticchi were the best for the Saints, while defenders Sarah Etheron and Charlotte King performed well for the Tigers.

Hayes said captain Courtney Clough, keeper Marnie Lehmann and goalie Alaura McRae also vied for the Saints best-on-court honours.

Saints shooter Sharon Fedke, 30 goals, and goal attack McRae, 22 goals, capitalised on their opportunities, and Tigers shooter Emma Smith scored 17 goals.

At Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park, the home side had a 21-goal win against Stawell.

Eagles shooter Megan Werner played a starring role, scoring 43 goals in her side’s 60-39 win. It was Werner’s second 40-plus goal game this season.

The hosts increased their lead at every change, with shooter Briodi McKenzie, 17 goals, also named as one the Eagles’ best players.

The competition’s two undefeated sides Ararat and Horsham both scored comfortable 35-goal home wins.

The Rats accounted for Minyip-Murtoa at Alexandra Oval, while the Demons dismantled Dimboola in the late game at Horsham City Oval.

Mid-court players Lauri Williamson and Olivia West starred for the Rats against the bottom-placed Burras.

The home side increased its dominance in every quarter, with the Burras converting no more than six goals in each term.

Reigning premier Horsham consigned the Roos to their second successive defeat after starting the year with back-to-back wins.

Stephanie Thomson, 33 goals, and Georgia Duncan, 32 goals, continued their form under the ring for the Demons, while shooter Brianna King scored 19 goals for the Roos.

Duncan and Jedda Heard were named the home side’s best players, and King and wing attack Antoinette Toet performed well for the visitors.

On Saturday, Horsham will host Ararat in a re-match of last year’s grand final and a battle for top spot on the ladder at Horsham City Oval. 

Horsham Saints and Warrack Eagles both have winning form leading into their clash at Coughlin Park, while Dimboola and Stawell will be looking to rebound at Dimboola Recreation Reserve.

Either Minyip-Murtoa or Nhill will record its first points for the year in their contest at Murtoa Recreation Reserve.