A late converted try for the Saints’ Nicole Schneider put the match out of reach for the Panthers.

Both teams had their share of opportunities close to the try line, but more often than not the defence was up for the occasion.

Panthers had won the previous two meetings against Pat’s this season but the blue and white found another gear on Sunday, booking a major semi-final against the unbeaten Orange Hawks.

“It’s always close against Panthers and a good game to watch and be a part of. I’m really happy with how the girls went today. That’s the best they’ve played all year,” Saints coach Mick Armstrong said.

“The attitude was outstanding, even from the warm up, and that showed in the game.

“Out there they just played for each other and as a team. When they do that they’re very hard to beat.”

Pat’s earned a meeting with Panthers after the Blayney Bears drew with Orange CYMS in the last round of the regular season.

The result allowed the Saints to remain in third spot, and Armstrong’s team didn’t let the chance to go waste.

“It feels really good to be one win away [from the grand final]. We’re very lucky to be in this position, with Blayney having the draw last week,” he said.

“We’ve taken the opportunity, which is really good for us, and we’ve got a shot to play in the grand final.”

Panthers captain-coach Monique Christie-Johnson said rhythm was hard for her side to come by.

“It was 6-all at half-time and it could have gone either way, but they had a lot of possession in the second half and we couldn’t get any momentum going.

“A few errors from us kept them in good field position and that made it hard for us.

“Blayney will be tough competition. Hopefully we can work on a few things at training and bring the goods next week.”

An error from Panthers gifted Pat’s a full set close to their line just three minutes into the game.

Saints capitalised through Elise Woods on the left wing for a 4-0 lead.

Woods threatened to extend the lead with a break down the sideline but brought to a halt.

Panthers then brought the ball up the other end for their first crack close to the Pat’s try line.

Claire Woolmington broke through the Pat’s defence to score by the uprights, allowing Harriet Messner to take an easy conversion for a 6-4 lead in the 10^th minute.

Panthers continued to apply the pressure after their try, forcing a line drop out, but couldn’t add to their advantage.

A line break for Pat’s got them out of their own territory, and a penalty then allowed Mish Somers to even up the scores with the boot.

Pat’s dropped the ball from the kick-off but survived a tense set of six from the Panthers.

It was an end-to-end beginning to the new half of football but neither side could make the breakthrough.

Somers stepped up for another successful penalty attempt with 11 minutes to go.

Schneider’s try sealed the deal and put Pat’s within reach of a third title.