Patris left it until the final round to register their first win over the defending champions and get their season back on track after two shock draws in a row.

Yerrinbool’s Ben Miller, making a shock comeback from a fractured elbow, opened the scoring with a stunning free kick that sailed into Patris goalkeeper Simon McEwan’s top right hand corner.

But Colo Vale hit back from a free kick of their own as Nigel Tasker hit the back of the net from just outside the penalty area.

The two teams were deadlocked for much of the second half before patris’ Daniel Riley was obstructed in the 18-yard box and the referee had little choice but to point to the spot.

Shane Fitzpatrick converted to put Colo Vale in front 2-1 before Tasker bagged his second goal to see the match finish 3-1.

Patris coach Tim Stone said the win was a breakthrough for Colo Vale.

“This season is the first time we have made the semi-finals in first and second grades and this match was the first time we beat Yerrinbool all season,” Stone said.

Yerrinbool was without their first choice goalkeeper but otherwise had a near full-strength team on Saturday.

“We had to dig deep to beat them and it gives us some confidence going into the semis,” Stone said.

Patris will be without their centre-midfield pairing in week one of the playoffs with Tasker and Josh Corriea both unavailable.

But Colo Vale will be bolstered by Rick Stone who returns this Saturday after a month on the sideline due to suspension.