The visitors had opened almost a double-figure lead, but Raiders raced home, falling 37-35.

“What was really pleasing was they (our players) didn’t back off,” proud Raiders’ coach Jodie House said.

“I think we got close to 10 goals down, so to come back and be that close, I was really pleased with that effort.”

Former Toni Wilson medallist Steph Elliott (nee Tyrell) proved a calming influence with 18 goals.

“She’s been tied up with work in Melbourne, but she’ll play a bit more in the back half of the year,” Pigeons coach Bridget Cassar said.

Ange Tyrell posted 16 goals, while Indiana Frauenfelder nabbed three.

“It’s just about getting four quarters into them,” Cassar said of her inexperienced pair.

Frauenfelder was one of her best, along with former Toni Wilson Medal runner-up Kylie Leslie.

At one stage, with just minutes remaining in the thrilling finale, Leslie still had the presence of mind to help a younger team-mate with the action just metres away. 

The win has pushed the Pigeons a win ahead of Corowa-Rutherglen and Wangaratta Rovers, while Raiders head the bottom three.

“Tessa (Bulleen) was up from B grade and had a run through wing defence and the midcourt and I thought her and Mackensey (House) combined really well, while Shaylah (House) and Georgia (Thomas), their work in the circle was really good,” House said.

Thomas finished with 19 goals, while Shaylah House chipped in with 16.

Meanwhile, Lavington has ensured it’s beaten every team.

The Panthers completed an undefeated first round with a 47-37 win over Albury.

The home team was able to restrict Albury to eight goals in the second and final terms.

Maggie Young (20 goals) featured in Lavington’s best, Maddy Lloyd was outstanding, while Alison Meani snared 23.

Jess Fisher-Curnow landed 21 goals, while Gabe McRae was  the Tigers’ best.

North Albury has moved a game clear of fourth-placed Albury after a 44-40 win over Corowa-Rutherglen.

The visitors jumped the Roos, before the home side fought back to lead by two heading into the final term.

But North almost doubled Corowa, with Grace Senior (34) and Elyse Boyer starring.

Claire Wilson fired 22 goals, with Steph Clancy playing well.

Myrtleford has posted its second win, 47-35, against Wodonga.

Eden Broz blasted 39 goals, while the visitors’ Kylie Murphy landed 20.

And Wangaratta defeated the Hawks, 52-36.