Things are suddenly interesting in the race for the 2013 premiership, after North Cairns' unbeaten start to the season in a Saturday afternoon thriller at Watsons Oval.
The lead changed hands in a tense final quarter but it was Saints who finished in front in a 13.8(86) to 10.15(75) victory.
In their last encounter, the Tigers' legs proved superior as they ran way with the final quarter to notch their first win against Saints in four seasons.
The ledger is squared now, and Saints (third, 6-2) are edging closer to Port (second, 6-1) and Norths (first, 7-1) in the race for top spot.
The damage was done in the second quarter when Saints kicked six unanswered goals. That difference was made up and Norths even took a one-point lead in the final quarter, but two majors in response earned Saints the chocolates.
Life has not been easy for the defending champions this season, having lost Nick Braybon (broken arm), Glen Martin (broken foot), Craig Ferrier (broken foot), Dan McCall (broken leg) and Zac Kelly (hamstring) to serious injury.
But a quietly confident Matt Walsh, who booted four goals in Saturday's win, said the victory may be the spark they were looking for.
"We're slowly getting players back but we haven't really put four quarters together all season," Walsh said.
"This was definetely our best performance, though, and could be the kick-start we need."
Last Modified on 31/07/2013 15:44