Western Suburbs Magpies have kept their top four hopes alive with a thrilling 31-30 win against Mounties in their Round 22 Intrust Super Premiership match today.
ISP Highlights: Magpies sink Mounties at the death
Coming in to the match in sixth position and missing a number of key players against the second-placed Mounties at home, Brett Hodgson's side came out of the blocks firing with a flurry of early points before showing great composure to find the lead again in the second half despite Mounties' quality.
It was a nervy finish for the Magpies, who saw the visitors run in two late tries to set the match up for a grandstand finish, before a sideline conversion from Milne ensured the scores would lock up once again.
However, a field goal from Tyson Gamble in the final minute would seal the win for the Magpies.
The return of Tuimoala Lolohea proved crucial for the visitors, while youngsters Dylan Smith and Thomas Mikaele also impressed stepping up in competition — bagging three tries between them in the game.
The result leaves the Magpies still in a positive position to clinch a top four finish, with a must-win game coming up next week against the eighth-placed Wyong Roos at Morry Breen Oval.
Western Suburbs Magpies 31 (Smith 2, Siolo, Mikaele, Lolohea tries; Lolohea 5/5 goals; Gamble field goal) def. Mounties RLFC 30 (Kris, Lyons, Satini, O'Hagan, Roberts, Milne tries; Milne 3/6 goals)
