The Saints' 14.9 (93) to 12.8 (80) victory was led by two former North Launceston stars in Zach Burt and Corey Nankervis, with the former kicking six goals to be best on ground. 

Luke Crane chimed in with four goals in his long-awaited return to the club, with coach Allan O'Sign the Saints' other multiple goal-kicker. 

The Suburban Tigers put up a solid fight in a match highlighted by a couple of gravity-defying leaps from Saint Joshua Knight, but were unable to strip back a 13-point three-quarter time deficit.

Last year's breakout star Brayden Claridge kicked four for the visitors, who were best served by Jacob Hawkins, Mitchell Cordell and former East Coast Swan Cody Gardiner.  

The premier division's full first round will get under way next Saturday, where the Saints will meet premiership fancies Hillwood. 

Rocherlea's next task is reigning premier South Launceston at Youngtown Oval.