The Wentworthville Magpies were boosted by the late additions of Josh Hoffman and Oregan Kafusi for their Round Five Canterbury Cup clash against Mounties in Canberra.
But it wasn’t enough to get them the two competition points as they went down 26-16.
The lead changed four times throughout the Sunday afternoon clash, before a fast finish saw Mounties seal the win.
After back-to-back sets on the Magpies try line, Mounties were first to score in the 9thminute.
Second rower Jack Murchie crossed on the left side, before his try was converted by Andre Niko.
The Magpies hit back in the 26thminute after attacking the Mounties line for three consecutive sets.
Halfback Rhys Davies threw a sensational cut out pass to Greg Leleisiuao on the wing, who crossed for the try.
Magpies kept up the momentum with another try attempt just two sets later, off a nice grubber kick from Bevan French.
Minutes later he set up Magpies second try on the halftime bell, finding a gap in defence with some fancy footwork, before Damon Goolagong crossed for the four points.
Rhys Davies converted the try and the Magpies ran into the sheds at halftime leading Mounties 10-6.
Mounties left centre Reubenn Rennie scored 5 minutes into the second half, diving over close to the line for a converted try and a two point lead to the home side.
The lead continued to yo-yo when Oregan Kafusi slammed down a grubber off the boot of Brad Keighran in the 55thminute.
The converted try put the Magpies back ahead with a four-point lead.
But they didn’t hold it long, with Ruebenn Rennie crossing for his second try of the night in the 60thminute.
Andre Niko ran away down the sideline three minutes later to score and he converted his own try to see Mounties go up 22-16.
Ruebenn Rennie picked up his third try of the night in the 67thminute on the left wing and helped extend his side’s lead to 26-16.
Mounties enjoyed a fast finish to the game with a converted try to Tony Satini just before fulltime.
Final score 32-16.
