The reigning premier held on in a thriller, winning 51-49 in the penultimate round of the Ballarat Netball Association's premier competition.

The return of Poppy Douglass from illness and a European holiday was pivotal for Brown Hill Forgers.

Her shooting combination with Zoe Ottavi set the standard for coach Annie McCartin's team.

Brown Hill led by four goals after a tense first quarter.

Dela won the next two terms to trail by a single goal going into the last.

Seventeen-year-old Lydia Jordan was outstanding in the final quarter for Dela, with her shooting ensuring a close finish.

It was a major turn around from their previous clash in round two when Dela won by 17 goals.

Eureka held out Wendouree in the other game in the four-team competition.

There was only one goal in it at the first change, with Wendouree captain Eleisha Phelps showing some of her best form of the season.

The margin grew to eight by the final change as Eureka slowly took control.

Defenders Abbey Wiltshire and Jemma Mirabella were among Eureka's best as they claimed the game by 13 goals.

Knockout semi-finals will follow the one remaining round.