Going into their Round 6 clash, Mackay Cutters and Wynnum Manly Seagulls were one and three on the Hostplus Cup table, so the game was always going to be a tight contest.
Cutters winger Josh Smith was the first to strike, scoring the first of his two tries in the game in the seventh minute, and the Cutters went into half-time up 14-12.
The final siren saw the try count at five to four; Bryce Donovan converted all four Wynnum Manly tries and Riley Dean converted two for Cutters and kicked two penalty goals to help secure the two-point win.
Cutters coach Michael Comerford said it was good to come away with a win after a nerve-wracking end where all of the momentum sat with Wynnum Manly.
"A little bit frustrated that we weren't clinical enough to put it to bed earlier, but our defence at the end was something special," Comerford said.
"Efforts like that... down to 12 players, defending four sets in a row, you could see it meant something."
Comerford said second rowers Jamal Shibasaki and Hiale Roycroft were the standouts for him and North Queensland Cowboys affiliate Jaxon Purdue provided a welcomed injection of talent.
"Jamal Shibasaki was excellent on the left edge... Hiale Roycroft did a job on the right edge and Jaxon's long-range try was something special," Comerford said.
Comerford noted the Mackay crowd was instrumental in helping get his side over the line, and he was glad they would secure the win for everyone who had supported them through their tough times.
Comerford said moving forward, his side needed to seize all of their opportunities to finish games off better.
Seagulls coach Matt Head said the Cutters deserved the win, noting his side did not play the style of football they needed to in order to win games against quality opposition.
"All credit has to go to Mackay... they were outstanding," Head said.
"We did not play our best... there was not enough consistency from a lot of players out there... we need to be collectively better."
Head, despite being disappointed with the loss, added second rower Luke Gale and centre Connor Broadhurst were the standouts for him.
"Luke Gale was courageous in everything he did... he carried the ball well and tackled strong," Head said.
"Connor Broadhurst was our most dangerous outside back. Both of them can hold their heads high."
Article by Jorja Brinums, QRL content producer
Josh Smith on the fly. Photo: Ben van Moolenbroek
In other games, the Mal Maninga squad suffered a defeat against the Seagulls, going down 32-18.
The BMD Premiership ladies made it six in a row against Wynnum Manly, coming away victors 28-10 in a dominant display.
