Northern Hawks' 67-57 State League win over their nearest neighbours and rivals Cavaliers leaves the defending premiers on 30 points ahead of a last-round bye.

Third-placed Cavs and second-placed Arrows are both on 28 points with remaining fixtures against bottom two Devon and Karana respectively.

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Arrows only just kept the scenario alive with a nail-biting 45-44 defeat of Kingston on Saturday.

If the teams do finish level on points, the ladder - and semi-final match-ups - will be decided on percentage with Arrows likely to lead the way from Hawks, thereby denying Cavs the priceless second chance.

Cavs coach Dan Roden was philosophical after the derby defeat which marked goal shooter Mel Philpott's first game back after three weeks off.

"They rotated better than us and good sides like the Northern Hawks don't give you many second chances," he said. "We've got a lot of work to do but you learn a lot from a defeat."

Hawks co-coaches Kellie Woolnough and Ruth Tuohy were delighted to be back up to full strength and said they now have four training sessions to prepare for finals.

"We've had some good games and a chance to assess what we've got to do in the finals," Tuohy said.

Launceston goalie Hannah Crawford scored an honour at the end of the School Sports Australia Netball Championships in Queensland.

Crawford, 15, was selected as the players' player by her peers in the Tasmanian 15-and-under side at Caloundra.

The award was in recognition of the Kings Meadows High School student's excellent contribution to team culture and behaviour, according to Netball Tasmania.

Crawford plays club netball with Launceston-based Gee Tees and is a member of the Cavaliers' 15-and-under development squad.

Crawford's co-captain in the state 15-and-under team, Ashlea Turner, was also honoured.

Turner, who plays with Hobart-based Cripps Waratah, won the Amy Safe Award for Tasmania.

Opposition sides selected Turner, in recognition of her on-court behaviour, skill and team contribution.

Tasmania finished sixth in the tournament that ran from July 21 to 26.

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