The Saints utilised a strong tailwind at Jack Arrow Oval to take a 24-12 lead into half-time but the Panthers were able to keep the hosts scoreless in the second term during a comeback 30-24 victory.

The win keeps Panthers on top of the Group 10 ladder while defeat has left Pat's needing a comeback of their own over the next month and a half to keep their finals chances alive.

While Panthers player-coach Doug Hewitt said the win was far from pretty it was a great showing for the team's fighting character.

"It was tough wind to run into during that first half and they made the most of it to get off to a good start. Then in the second half we tried to make the most of it. It was a very scrappy game but we're near where we need to be," he said.

"It was a great test to see where we're at. When your behind like that some teams can throw the towel in and say it's going to be too hard, or they can rally together and find a way to get back in it.

"Nothing was really going our way but the boys stuck together. We knew we could beat them. We just needed to get the bounce of the ball and to bide our time."

For Pat's it was another one that got away.

They lost the first Bathurst derby of the season 22-20, after leading 10-0 early on in the match, but even with the half-time lead in Saturday's game player-coach Luke Branighan knew his team were in for another test.

"We went in at 24-12 ... [but] it was probably a 12-point wind and the second half was a really grinding affair. Panthers ended up getting us right towards the end and it's very disappointing to lose after having that lead," he said.

"It's a big step in the right direction considering our performance in the game before.

"I do think Panthers are probably the side to beat so for us to go with them for the majority of the match is encouraging but unfortunately we can't afford any more losses if we're to think about sneaking into the semi-finals."

Among the highlights for the Panthers in their derby win was a first grade try for youngster James Higgins, a successful chip and chase try to open their account from Willie Wright and an intercept try from Kevin Murray.

The season is still well and truly alive for St Pat's who are only four points adrift of a place inside the top five, and they have the bye next week to prepare for their run home.