Both teams struggled to get any rhythm to their game at the Oberon Sports Ground but the defensive pressure from the hosts gave them the edge.

While Tigers can now prepare for finals football Pat’s may have to start turning towards next year, with their odds of making the cut now roughly the same as finding a needle in a haystack.

Saturday’s game is the first time the Saints have been held scoreless in Group 10 premier league under the guidance of coach Kurt Hancock.

Tigers coach Luke Branighan said it was not the finest performance from his side with the ball in hand, but was pleased with the defensive effort.

“Both teams dropped a lot of ball, in particular Pat’s, and for a while it was just a really dour sort of game. We just couldn’t seem to skip away from them,” he said.

“To come away with a win though when we’re not playing at our best is still good.

“We’re a little bit off in our attack at the moment, and we’re going to have to rectify that. But to hold Pat’s scoreless was a great effort from our guys.”

Jake Dawe and Trent Rose found tries for the Tigers to take their team to a 10-0 lead at half-time.

The sole impact on the scoreboard in the second half was an unconverted try to Abel Lefaoseu.

It might not have been the prettiest performance from the Tigers but it was a vital win for them after going down in the previous round to Mudgee Dragons – the team they are battling for third spot on the ladder.

Tigers also earned a piece of revenge after going down 26-14 to Pat’s at the Sportsground earlier this year.

After Saturday’s loss Pat’s remain on eight points and second-last on the table.