In blustery conditions at Narooma's Bill Smyth Memorial Oval, the home outfit narrowly pegged back the Diggers to win 8-9-57 to 7-7-49 where both team's defensive efforts were highlighted.

Merimbula half-back Daniel Worden was the best performer for his club with some good long range options and clever handballs when play called for it.

Middle man Jack Burch was also in the thick of play helping the Diggers claim what they could from the central clearances, while Jedd Martyn was one of the strong contenders in the front.

Martyn kicked two goals as did Dan Edwards, while Luke Talty bagged three for the home side.

It's a cliche, but it really was anyone's game until the final quarter.

Narooma had led by two at the first break, but the Diggers had taken a two-point lead at half-time.

It was three points in favour of the Merimbula side at three-quarter time, but the Lions found three goals to one in the last period to clinch the win.

The loss is the sole mark on the score sheet for the Diggers after five rounds, who are still sitting proud atop the leaderboard with 16 competition points to Narooma's eight.

Unfortunately for the Diggers, the club's reserve grade side were also handed a loss on Saturday, going down to the Broulee/Moruya Giants 7-12-54 to 2-6-18.

The Diggers host the Tathra Sea Eagles Saturday with play at Berrambool from 11.50am.