Saints only lost one match on their march to the minor premiership and even then that was in a rain-shortened match, and they showed all their class against Apollo Phoenix on Saturday afternoon, running out 62-33 winners at the Nita McGrath Courts.

Phoenix, who finished the regular season in second spot behind Saints, were missing a number of regulars due to the fact the team contains family and friends of Chris Thompson, the Wellington Cowboys rugby league player who was injured in a car accident last week.

Saints' Michelle Williams admitted there was plenty of emotion in the Phoenix camp but praised them for taking to the court and putting in such a strong showing, one she admitted wasn't represented on the scoreboard.

"I don't think the score did the game justice, it was a good and physical," she said.

"I think it was pretty tough for them to come out and play but they did well."

Goal shooter Megan Liplyn again starred, scoring the majority of Saints' goals, while younger players Laura Howell, Edwina Capell and Grace Pilon also impressed.

Saints will now be favourites for the grand final in two weeks' time and Williams said after a season disrupted by byes, forfeits and cancellations due to weather, her side was feeling very confident about their chances.

"We've got good combinations going and a really good mix of young girls and older heads," she said.

"Laura (Howell) has taken on a real leadership role this year and has been really strong."

Phoenix now have to regroup before next weekend's do-or-die clash with Apollo Illusion.

Illusion kept their season alive with a thrilling minor semi-final win over Apollo Zircons.

It was a hard-fought game but the experience in the Illusion team proved to be the difference and they advanced after a 54-44 win.