The Saints lead by 7 points at three quarter time and looked to have the game secured when they kicked the first two goals of the final term to lead by 19 points.

But the Storm came home hard in the final moments with Bradley Hunter and Peter Weir both booting majors to cut the deficit to five. Hunter was later named the Storm's best on ground for the second time this season.

Jeparit-Rainbow continued to press for a winner in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Rainbow but could only muster one more behind, as they finished four points short 7.8 (50) to 8.6 (54).

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The final result extended the Storm's heartbreak after their five point loss to Rupanyup last week.

For Edenhope-Apsley the win may have been a turning of the tide, as they won their first close game of the year after two tight losses against Swifts and Kalkee earlier in the season.

Saints coach Chris Oliver said it was pleasing to overcome that mental hurdle and win a close game.

"I was really happy with our boys to get that hard fought win," he said. "We've gone down in those types of contests this year so it was really good to get one this time around.

"At half time the message was just to put your head over it ... I said we just have to want it more and go harder at the contest."

With the four points, Edenhope-Apsley leapfrogged Jeparit-Rainbow into fourth place on the ladder, four points in front of the Storm, Noradjuha-Quantong and Kalkee.

"We can see this year it's a lot tighter between the clubs, so every win will be so valuable come the end of the season," Oliver said.

In other contests, Natimuk United returned to the winners list with an impressive victory against Rupanyup. The Rams trailed by 16 points at quarter time but proceeded to boot 11 goals to three in the final three terms for a 42 point victory.

Rupanyup meanwhile were hurt by several injuries after quarter time which limited their rotations.

Rams' coach Sam Anson said he was pleased with the win, but was still waiting on a full four quarter performance from his side.

"That's been our biggest battle at the moment, just trying to get four quarters together. We probably haven't played four quarters all year," he said.

"They came out strong but we weren't accountable for a quarter and a half ... then we started playing our brand of footy and got on top."

Harrow-Balmoral meanwhile burst out to a match-winning 38 point lead at quarter time against Noradjuha-Quantong. A gallant Bombers side matched it with the Southern Roos for the proceeding two quarters, putting together some impressive passages of play and holding the margin to just 42 points by three quarter time.

The Southern Roos then put the foot down to run away with a 73 point victory.

Swifts and Kalkee meanwhile secured percentage boosting wins against Laharum and Pimpino.