Despite being down to 10 on two separate occasions – Julie Honman picked up a brace of green cards – the Saints closed out Saturday’s round seven clash expertly, keeping them deadlocked in equal second with Lithgow Panthers and Confederates.

Ekert and Ruby Clarke shone for St Pat’s, while Leanne Kennewell, goalkeeper Erin Horan and young gun Lilly Baker were impressive for the Ex-Services as the two sides fought tooth and nail in a goal-less opening period.

That continued through the first 18 minutes of the second half too, proving how evenly matched the sides are despite Ex-Services sitting fifth to St Pat’s second.

Then Ekert struck, finding the back of the net and giving her side what proved to be a match-winning buffer.

A few things didn’t go Ex-Services’ way, Kennewell said, and a couple of injuries didn’t help either.

A bit of panic in defence caused the Orange side some problems too.

“We panicked a little bit coming out of our end when we should’ve been sticking to our game plan,” she explained.

“Their goal shocked us a bit too, we thought it was out but St Pat’s determination resulted in a goal.”

The win gives Pat’s their third straight victory this season. It has also ensured Saints remain level with Lithgow Panthers on the table.