IT was a case of third time lucky for Dubbo Kangaroos as they recorded their first Blowes Clothing Cup win for the season against an improved Orange City outfit on Saturday.
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In a sea-sawing game at Orange's Pride Park, the Kangaroos were able to shake off their opening two losses of the season to edge out the Lions 33-27.
The victory brought a smile to the face of Dubbo coach Simon Petelo, who was pleased to see another improved performance.
"We're pretty happy to get the win, we needed the points. We're sort of struggled the last two games," Petelo explained.
"Orange City really brought it today and our guys dug deep and continued with the systems and we're happy to get away with the win."
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The visitors had an ideal start to the match when Chris O'Shea put on the first points less than a minute in and Hamish Gordon was able to convert.
City hit back with a try of their own through second rower Scott Smith and Tom West added the extras to level it up.
The game went back and forth, as did the scoring, with each side putting on another two tries, however Roos led 21-17 at the break thanks to Gordon's boot providing the extras.
The second half started like the first with Dubbo scoring early, winger Tim Beach completing a double, before the Rhinos replied again.
City was able to take the lead for the first and only time eight minutes into the second half when Duncan Young kicked a penalty to give the home side a 27-26 lead.
The Lions weren't able to hold onto that lead with replacement Anthony Golding scoring what turned out to be the match-winner with 15 minutes remaining.
The two sides wrestled out the remainder of the match with Dubbo controlling the lineout but City the stronger in the scrums.
We've still got to work on our scrum a bit. We're still a little bit short of some quality front rowers.
- Roos' coach Simon Petelo
"I think we dominated in the lineout," Petelo said.
"We've still got to work on our scrum a bit. We're still a little bit short of some quality front rowers but it's still a young side."
Petelo and Lions coach Viv Paasi agreed neither side was at its best defensively, but the Orange City mentor was impressed with the attacking play on show.
"I guess all tries from both sides were good, attacking tries. They weren't really from mistakes. Every try that was scored was earnt, which is great to see," Paasi said.
Petelo was impressed with his players across the field.
"We had a debutant who played today and he played outstanding, Nick Finlay. He was our openside flanker," he said.
"I think our tight five were good. I think right across the field the guys dug deep because we needed the win."
The result moves the Roos up to fourth. They return to No. 1 Oval and take on the unbeaten Cowra Eagles.