Saturday's Rivalry Round clash against Norths Devils was always going to be a battle and it delivered exactly that, in the most dramatic fashion possible.
The Magpies were made to work from the opening whistle. Within three minutes, the Devils had broken the line through Matthew Milson to open the scoring, with Brandon Finnegan adding the extras to put Norths up 6-0 early. The Magpies weathered the storm, grinding their way back into the contest before Jesse Arthars found a gap in the 22nd minute, finishing off a line break to bring the scores level. Thomas Duffy was equal to the moment, converting to make it 6-6.
From there the game swung on momentum and for a period late in the first half, it swung firmly Norths' way. Kane Rushton crossed in the 39th minute following a line break, and moments later Zak Taibi added another on the stroke of half time, with Finnegan converting to send the Devils to the sheds leading 16-6.
The Magpies had it all to do.
They came out of the break with intent. Callum Eggerling, continuing his strong start to the season broke the line in the 44th minute and crossed to get the scoreboard moving, Duffy converting to make it 16-12. With the Magpies building, a sin bin to Aublix Tawha threatened to derail the momentum but the side held firm. Mitchell Owen then produced one of the plays of the afternoon, breaking through in the 54th minute to bring the scores level at 16-16. Duffy's boot made it 16-18, and for the first time all day, the Magpies had the lead.
Then came the adversity. A converted try to Rushton in the 74th minute had the Devils back in front, with the clock ticking down. But the Magpies refused to fold.
The Magpies pushed. They pressed. They earned their moment.
In the dying seconds, the Magpies had one last set, and they made it count. A try was scored to bring the scores to 24-24, and Duffy stepped up to attempt the conversion that would win it outright. The kick drifted wide. Full time.
A draw. 24-24.
Three rounds in, this Magpies side is showing real character. A gutsy comeback against Devils, even playing short of numbers, speaks volumes about where this group is headed. Next week, the boys return to Davies Park and they'll be hungry.