Two second-half goals from South Adelaide proved decisive in a gritty clash at Magain Stadium, with the home side grinding out a 14-point win over West Adelaide.

Wet and wintry conditions turned the contest into a slog, with puddles of water splashing with every step and bounce of the ball.

The match quickly became a game of territory and pressure, rather than fluid movement.

Soriah Moon and Caitlin Couch thrived in the conditions, dominating at stoppages and racking up impressive tackle counts.

Layla Vizgaudis also played a key role, shutting down West Adelaide’s attempts to break away from the contest and catching multiple opponents holding the ball.

Despite South Adelaide dominating territory early, scoring opportunities were scarce.

The ball spent the majority of the opening quarter in their forward half, but the Panthers couldn’t convert their pressure into points.

As the siren sounded for the first break, the scoreboard remained unchanged from the opening bounce — 0.0 apiece.

Some sunshine briefly broke through the clouds early in the second quarter, and South looked determined to take advantage.

After forcing repeated stoppages inside 50, a holding-the-ball free kick was paid to Couch directly in front, 30 metres out. Her set shot swung right for a behind — the game’s first score.

Taya Maxwell continued to impress in the ruck, often acting as an extra midfielder with her agility and drive.

Down back, Jaslynne Smith locked down her opponent and combined well with Marley Tape and Molly Jenkins to repel rare West Adelaide attacks.

South Adelaide’s forwards brought relentless pressure, with Shae Archbold and Tabitha Prosser joining the midfielders in the tackle count.

At half-time, the Panthers held a narrow one-point lead, courtesy of Couch’s minor score.

With both sides believing they were still in with a chance, the third term opened with more scrappy, rain-soaked footy.

South, however, looked the most likely to break the deadlock. After several minutes of forward pressure, Jenkins found Lucy Northcott with a clever pass inside 50.

Northcott converted the free kick from 25 metres out on a slight angle — a vital goal in a low-scoring game.

Couch continued to attack the contest with desperation, earning free kicks and helping maintain South’s grip on field position.

West Adelaide were under siege, but defended bravely. Eventually, Esther Schirmer created a chance on goal while being tackled, but her shot was rushed through for a behind.

Moments later, she received a free kick inside 50 and found Maxwell in space, but Maxwell’s shot faded to the near side.

Westies managed a late behind before three-quarter time to trail by eight points.

The opening goal of the final term was always going to be crucial, and South almost delivered it in the first minute.

Prosser read the ball better than her opponent and had a chance from a set shot, but like many others, it slid across the face for a minor score.

Moon and Couch continued their dominance around the contest, supported by the tenacity of Vizgaudis and Mel Anderson, who applied strong pressure all over the ground.

South Adelaide all but secured the premiership points after Maxwell’s stoppage clearance cleared everyone and saw Archbold run onto a dribbling ball and soccer through a crucial goal.

Archbold’s goal would be the final score of the match, with South Adelaide securing a hard fought 14-points in incredibly difficult conditions.

South Adelaide will aim to continue their winning form when they face Norwood at Coopers Stadium on Sunday, 22 June at 12:10pm.