Bendigo Fighting Miners pulled off one of the team's biggest comebacks in its 49 year history against the Ballarat Highlanders on the weekend.
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The Fighting Miners overcame a 16-point deficit in the second half and upstaged their hosts to take a one-point victory.
At the start of the second half the Miners' chance to defeat the Highlanders looked to be all but done and dusted, after the hosts scored its third consecutive try in the corner on the right wing four minutes in.
With all of the Highlanders' tries converted from the touchline by their number 10, the Miners had a tough task on their hands.
The visitors were ready to do what they do best, fight their way back into the game.
Miners' Tony Shihemi collected the ball from a five metre scrum and forced his way over the try-line, with Dave McDonald's conversion bringing the gap to the Highlanders down to nine points.
After an even period of play with neither team able to gain an upper hand, Miners' centre Des Reynolds forced his way through the Highlanders' defence to unleash a 20m run after a quick tap penalty kick, with McDonald bringing home the goods again with another conversion.
The deficit was now only two points, in the Highlanders' favour.
There were three minutes left on the clock and the Miners were awarded a penalty 40m out from the Highlanders' line. McDonald's kick flew perfectly between the posts to secure a one-point lead.
From 16 points down, to one-point up. Victory was almost signed, sealed and delivered.
After the restart, Miners' forwards controlled possession of the ball with "pick and drives", with the Highlanders unable to get their hands on the ball before the end of the game.
Scorers: Shihemi two, Reynolds. Tries: McDonald two conversions, penalty goal.
Best on ground performances went to Ryan Spedding, Logan Reynolds, Shihemi, McDonald, Nafetalai Li, Michael Creely, Mark Gudge and Reynolds.
However, the win didn't come without its costs with a hamstring injury to centre David Gudge after only minutes of play and five-eighth Steve Reynolds enduring a hip injury in the second half.
Miners will be on the road again next week when the team travels to Melton to do battle with the Warriors.
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