Pushing through ceaseless rain and stifling defence, it was Natimuk United who emerged on top in a thrilling match between the league's two powerhouse clubs.

The reigning premiers adapted to the wet conditions quicker than their opposition in the opening term and burst out to a strong first quarter lead.

Laharum coach Erin Mellington said her side started slowly in the wet.

"It was really tough conditions to play in," she said. "They got out to a really strong early lead on us - I think we were down by about 10 at one stage."

But Laharum mounted an admirable comeback, cutting the deficit to five at quarter time and three by three quarter time.

"We just kept chipping away and I think that was really great to see," Mellington said. "In past experiences, they have got the jump on us and we've just said, 'that's it, we won't win'. This time, we did really well to just chip away and get back into it."

In a tight and intense final quarter, Laharum were able to complete the comeback and hit the lead.

But the Ewes showed their strength and maturity in the dying stages, keeping their cool under pressure to claim a two goal win, 31-29.

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The contest was the only time the two sides will face each other this season before finals. With the unique conditions affecting this match, Mellington said she could not wait to face-off again later in the year.

"They kept their heads very well in the conditions and under the pressure. We always knew they would," Mellington said.

"It's a shame we only play them once this year, we'd love to play them twice just to get more of a gauge on them. I'm sure they would wish the same thing as well.

"We love a good contested game of netball and we enjoy playing against the quality sides, so we're definitely looking forward to meeting them again later in the year."

Pimpinio also braved the conditions to emerge with an incredibly tight one goal win against Rupanyup. The Tigers trailed all day but were able to secure victory in the final moments.

"We got in front just in the last couple of minutes," Pimpinio coach Renee Clarkson said. "They led all day but we were just able to put the pressure on when we really needed to. It was a really good win."

Noradjuha-Quantong also had a crucial victory against Edenhope-Apsley, bringing the two sides level on the ladder with five wins apiece and setting up a thrilling race for finals places in the season's final seven rounds. Harrow-Balmoral and Swifts had comfortable victories.