The last time the Saints had held Panthers scoreless was in the 2015 grand final - a match they won 6-0.

Though not as much was at stake in Saturday's penultimate round match, the result did ensure the Saints will finish the regular season in second place and take on Panthers in the major semi-final.

Saints captain Shane Conroy, who blasted home the third goal from the top of the circle, was delighted with the result. That it came after a 5-1 loss to Parkes a fortnight earlier made it even better.

"I think we scrambled really well, we went in with that as a focus at the start of the game because we let five in a couple of weeks ago," Conroy said.

"We had really been focusing on our defence and I think today was a lot better.

"It was a big win for us actually, it sews up second spot and gives us that second crack at the end of the year.

"No matter what personnel both teams had out today - it doesn't matter - to get that win today was good. It will be nice to go into a final against them with that."

It was Pat's who made the better start to the match and after a top save from Panthers goalkeeper Aaron Reid denied them from a penalty corner in the eighth minute, not long after they had the lead.

Some nice patience inside the circle then a well-placed flick from Isaac Darlington made it 1-0 at the 10 minute mark.

It took a tick over two minutes into the second quarter for the Saints to double that lead.

READ MORE: Bathurst City's finals hopes are in jeopardy

READ MORE: Saints score a late winner to sink Exies

Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here

While Reid blocked three shots in succession after the blue and whites attacked down the right wing, Brent Naylor buried attempt number four.

Panthers had a good chance to pull one back eight minutes out from half-time when Mitch Thompson found himself in a one-on-one, but Saints goalkeeper Taylor Newton came up with the block.

It meant when Conroy blasted in his effort in 2:28 out from half-time, the Saints had a 3-0 lead.

Panthers had plenty of chances in the second half as they earned five penalty corners.

But with Newton on form in goals for the Saints and the likes of Shane and Aaron Conroy and Trevor Weal scrambling well in defence, Panthers were unable to find the mark.

While the Saints were unable to covert from their sole second-half penalty corner which came in the 46^th minute, the result squares the ledger between themselves and Panthers so far this season with one win, one draw and one loss apiece.