Southern had a one-goal lead with less than a minute to play but St Hilda's goal shoot Georgia Heffernan scored a penalty goal after the whistle to tie the game.
St Hilda's started the game with an early two-goal lead but Southern levelled and the scores remained even until midway through the quarter when St Hilda's secured an offensive rebound and a three-goal lead.
However, tight Southern defence created a turnover and evened the score again.
Southern goal attack Melissa Te Huki nailed some attempts from long range while under constant pressure from St Hilda's defenders.
Her team took the lead for the first time in the game towards the end of the quarter but a long-range shot by Heffernan evened the scores.
The school team had an two-goal lead moments into the second quarter but Southern pegged back the deficit and created a three-goal lead of its own.
Southern was slick through the court and Te Huki continued to shoot from wide out while Tenisha Fifita was strong under the hoop to pick up any loose ball.
Heffernan worked hard on attack to create space and was also strong under the hoop, backed up nicely by goal attack Mikayla Thorn.
St Hilda's was within one goal of Southern at the start of the third quarter but an intercept by Southern extended the lead to three goals.
A loose Southern pass scooped up by St Hilda's midcourter Abbey Johnston, followed by a long-range shot by Heffernan, brought St Hilda's back within two goals.
Southern worked hard to extend its lead but St Hilda's constantly fought back to within one goal.
St Hilda's levelled the score with three and a-half minutes to play and regained the lead for the first time since the second quarter, but Southern did not relent.
One goal down and with less than a minute to play, St Hilda's had possession and scored to end the game with a draw.
In the other game of the night, University Albion B beat Phys Ed B 51-45.
Other premier A grade games were rescheduled due to players competing at the national under-19 netball tournament in Nelson.
- Jess Wilson
