Forest Lake remain outright second on the Rugby League Brisbane Men's Open 2 South ladder after a hard fought 34-10 victory over Slacks Creek Lions at Usher Park on Saturday.
The Magpies did enough to come away with the two points, however they were made to work hard for their victory in unusually warm conditions for this time of the year.
It didn’t take long though for the visitors to post first points of the afternoon crossing out wide in the third minute of play, courtesy of Magpies hooker Thom Raftery.
It seemed possible the Lions would score at the other end of the field after a superb run from captain Callum Olofia which saw the home side inches from the Magpies try line.
However, an intercept from Forest Lake winger Jordyn Levey-Pearce saw the flyer sprint 80 meters to score under the sticks.
This game was your typical bash-and-barge type from both sides.
Forest Lake's hulking forward pack were near unstoppable up the middle, superbly led by Tuuta Heofa-Manu and Frank Fonokalafi, who were outstanding for the Magpies.
It would be the Magpies forwards who paved the way for their next try through centre Lotario Nona, who was proving to be a handful for the Lions.
However, at 18-0 down, Slacks Creek refused to give up the ghost and were steered around the park by their inspirational captain Olofia who led by example.
Just as the Lions found some rhythm in attack, a mistake 10 meters out saw Magpies halfback Nelson Siale swoop on the loose ball and slide over beside the sticks right on the stroke of halftime.
With Forest Lake enjoying a 24-0 lead, it was the home side who posted first points to kickstart the second half.
Slacks Creek halfback Trent Springs superb cut out pass found his centre Shame Jenkins, who raised his hand in jubilation to post the Lions' first points of the game and touch down under the posts.
Slacks Creek’s try injected a newfound spirit amongst the side and with Olofia calling the shots, the Lions nearly went in again only for the ball to be spilled over the line.
Magpies’ halfback Siale would be on the spot again to score his second try of the afternoon after a barnstorming run by Vakapuna Filipine that saw the visitors shoot out to a 30-6 lead.
Lions’ hooker Trent Shield’s superb dummy half running was catching the Magpies big forwards napping and it was evident the visitors were starting to tire.
However, Forest Lake's enigmatic fullback Kaydence Tearea’s slashing midfield run set up the Magpies final try of the afternoon in the corner.
With time ticking away, it was clear the Lions did not have enough time for a spirited comeback.
However, they did get the last say with a consolation try to Zane Williams, who reached out to plant the ball over the line in what was a highly entertaining game.
