In a round of close matches, the Saints made it seven victories from seven starts to confirm their premiership favouritism with a 13.15 (93) to 9.8 (62) victory.

The country Eagles had the better of the first half to lead by 14 points at half-time, but the Saints were clearly the better side, kicking nine goals to two in the second half to remain unbeaten.

Clinton Morosini booted three goals for St Pats to be their best player, with Ted Davis and Simon Lindsay other good performers.

Tom Chugg was in great form at the other end, kicking six goals for Evandale, with Zac Noble the Eagles' best and Jarrod Allen and Mitch Stagg also good players.

OLD SCOTCH got up to beat Tamar Cats in a one-point thriller at the NTCA Ground, 12.12 (84) to 12.11 (83).

The Cats would probably consider themselves unlucky, leading by three goals at quarter-time, 15 points at half-time and 20 at the last break, but the Thistles dug deep with three last-quarter goals to come from behind and snatch victory.

Nick D'Emden kicked five goals for the Thistles and Quinton Tahiri repeated the effort at the other end for the Cats.

Jonty Swallow and Josh Frankcombe were the best for Old Scotch, while Matt Nicholson and Nathan Croft were the standouts for the Cats.

PROSPECT held on to beat Old Launcestonians by three points in another close contest, with the Hawks winning 18.6 (114) to 16.13 (109).

Michael Murfett was outstanding with a nine-goal effort that earned him best-on-ground honours for Prospect, and Andrew Zammit booted three.

Gene Savage kicked four goals for the Blues and Ramesh Sundra and Scott Churchill three each.

Matt Spohn continued his good form this season as the Blues' best player, with Jamie Rayner also playing well.

UNI-MOWBRAY got up by a goal in another close one at University Oval, with the Eagles winning 13.10 (88) to 12.10 (82).

Nothing separated the two teams all day, with the home side just doing enough in the final quarter to record an important win for the club.

Damon Howe kicked four goals for Uni, with three each to Rod Lovering and Joe Dale, and Anthony Viney the standout player.

Josh Bennett was the Suns' best goalkicker, with three, with Charlie Eastoe named as their best.

LILYDALE recorded its second win of the season a 21.22 (148) to 13.11 (89) over Perth at Lilydale.

The Demons were in front at each change but the Magpies fought hard to take the game up to them.

Josh Griggs kicked five in a good performance for Lilydale, with four each to Lee Betts and Kade Dwyer and Corey Lockett named best on ground.

Roy Thomas booted four for Perth and Jason Reeves three, with Ethan Brown continuing his good form to be the Magpies' best.