The Lower Macleay Magpies have snapped a long-standing drought, defeating the Comboyne Tigers on the road for the first time in six years.

Goal kicking proved the difference for the second straight week for the Magpies as Bo Wilson’s radar was again intact as he kicked the rugby league side to a 30-22 victory.

The Tigers opened the scoring, crossing outwide to take an early 4-0 lead.

The match was a grind for the remainder of the first half, but the Magpies capitalised on their opportunities heading into the break.

Back-rower Tom Stevenson found his way to the line after an offload from Terry Tighe to give the Magpies a 6-4 lead.

Two length of the field intercept tries to Magpies centres, Ronald Vale and Dean Goodwin, gave the Magpies a commanding 18-4 lead at the interval. 

It was a slug fest to start the second half and both sides went back and forth for the opening 10-minutes. 

Ill-discipline and silly mistakes cost the Magpies as Tigers ran in three tries in the space of 15-minutes to level the scores at 18.

“It was tough on the side when our hard work was undone when they levelled the scores,” Co-coach Zac McKiernan said.

“We knew we were going to have to dig deep to earn the win.”

Vale broke the deadlock after a great touch from Wilson before Michael Flanders  crossed for a try of his own to extend the lead to 30-18.

Tigers struck back with five minutes remaining in the match but after missing their fourth conversion of the match, McKiernan knew his side was going to win.

“It was nerve wracking at the end there but we definitely deserved the competition points,” McKiernan said.

“The team stood up on the day and all played together as a unit.”

Vale was rewarded for his strong performance with player’s player but McKiernan believes the platform laid by the forwards allowed for the outside backs to excel.

“Tobie Malcolm and Tobie were excellent in the middle of the field. The two tackled hard and made plenty of runs,” he said.

The victory was made more impressive with the Magpies only able to field 16 players due to injuries.

McKiernan is hopeful he will have a full strength squad when they tackle the Beechwood Shamrocks on Saturday.

The side met the Shamrocks in the Bain Cup, earning a comfortable 20-4 victory.

McKiernan is confident his side will be able to receive a similar result and continue their perfect start to the season.

“Hopefully we get a few back, we were missing co-coach Adam McMurray and he will be a great addition on Saturday.”