Slacks Creek Lions moved into equal first spot on the Rugby League Brisbane Open 2 South ladder with a thrilling 36-34 win against Souths Juniors on Saturday.
With a healthy crowd on hand to watch at Usher Park, the Lions clawed their way back into the match, snatching a late victory against the Magpies who threw everything at the home side.
It was the Magpies though who posted first points in the match with just four minutes on the clock, through winger Darryl Sullivan.
The speedster's 60-metre intercept try set the tone for what would be a try fest for the afternoon.
Six minutes later, Magpies' Lance Aubrey crashed in beside the sticks to see the magpies shoot out to an early 12-0 lead.
Having endured an early onslaught from the visitors, Lions fullback Luke Bramley finally got the home side on the board in the 22nd minute when he lunged over from dummy half.
After their slow start, the Lions found their groove and powerful prop Anthony Rotohiko smashed his way through the Magpies defence to cross beside the sticks.
However, during the next set, a loose carry from the Lions had Magpies winger Max Feltham scoop up the pill on the fly.
The pacy wingman raced away to score in the corner to put the Magpies in front 16-10 right on the stroke of halftime.
Lions' inspirational skipper Callum Olofia was outstanding for the home side. His leadership skills and kicking game was superior in this game.
His cut out pass to find lock Ben Kelly levelled up the scores at 16-16.
The skipper got in on the try scoring as well, producing a show and go and dummying his way over the line to put the Lions in front for the first time in the match.
But Souths big men were still making easy yards up the middle through Jacob Spletter and Ruanui Tucker that found the Magpies back in the Lions red zone.
Tucker then tucked the ball under his arm and crashed over out wide to level it up again at 22-22.
The Magpies then hit the lead yet again through Tom Landers, crossing in the corner in what became a game of cat and mouse.
But the Lions simply refused to give in.
Jai Beavan’s runaway try in the 53rd minute saw the home side hit the lead once more when he crossed beside the sticks.
The Lions got extra breathing space not three minutes later, when centre Izayah Nuku waltzed over for the easiest of tries.
But the Magpies were not done yet and Feltham crossed for his second try of the afternoon to see the Magpies hit the lead 34-30, with only two minutes of play remaining.
But the Lions dug deep and the best player on the park, lock Ben Kelly, crossed for the winning try right on fulltime to see the Lions sneak home in an absolute thriller.
The win should give Slacks Creek plenty of confidence going into a genuine top of the table clash against Souths Sunnybank, while Souths Juniors will be looking to bounce back at home to Capalaba Warriors.
