The Cavs overturned a five-goal deficit at the final break to win 58-57, defeating the Northern Hawks for the first time since the 2015 preliminary final and sentencing their rivals to back-to-back losses.

With Issy Maskell playing limited game time due to illness, Cavaliers deployed Kate McLaughlin and Rachael Tempo in the back third but couldn't stop the Hawks taking a four-goal buffer into the first break.

Dana Lester and Lucy Dennis began moving the ball cleanly through the court to help cut the margin to two at the half, before coach Dan Roden gave Piper Sanders her opens debut midway through the third term.

With Hawks Tessa Coote and Hannah Lenthall getting on top in the third term, the Cavs turned up the heat in the last with shooter and player of the match Mel Philpott sinking everything that came her way.

The win sees Cavaliers establish a two-game buffer over the reigning premiers ahead of a trip to Devon next week.

The Hawks have the bye next round before meeting Arrows in Hobart for the second time in three weeks.

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