A competitive Cowra fielded four Fijian recruits for the first time at home and appeared a chance to cause a major boilover when they hauled to within six points of last season’s grand finalists mid-way through the second half.

But two tries in the final seven minutes ensured Lithgow carry a three-game winning streak into next weekend’s clash with Orange Hawks.

Workies took a 12-point lead into half-time after a cagey first stanza, and then extended their lead shortly after thanks to winger Daniel Beckett’s first try.

But the sin-binning of Lithgow five-eighth Jono Van Veen for a professional foul ignited the contest as the Magpies crossed for two quick four-pointers to close the gap to a converted try.

Brett Ranse then set up Garry Milligan to put the result beyond doubt with seven minutes remaining.

Cowra captain-coach Grant Burton said he was happy with how his side kept battling against an opponent he regards as the Group’s best, and only two weeks after the 76-0 hiding they copped from Orange CYMS.

“I was pretty happy with the overall performance,” he said. “But the one-on-one tackles killed us. Jason Carney was a standout I thought. I was pretty happy with how we stuck with Lithgow, they’re the benchmark for the competition.

“In the last few weeks we’ve shown when teams skip away from us we’ve shut up shop, but the commitment is there, maybe just a bit of fitness (is needed). I was pretty happy with the way we hung on in there.”

Fijians Sonny Blake, Bill Domo, Seruvi Ralulu and Aminiasi Aditagane provided extra thrust in the Cowra attack, and defended solidly.

Aditagane was particularly strong attacking the Lithgow line, and almost scored a spectacular second-half try but was deemed to have knocked the ball on when trying to ground it only inches from the dead ball line.

“They (Fijians) give us a bit of go-forward up front which we lacked and the boys out wide hit the line very hard,” Burton said. “They’re a big help.”

Jono Van Veen opened the scoring when he finished off a slashing 90-metre try. Michael Doggett, who provided a constant threat down the left-hand side, swept past the defence well inside his own half before floating a ball infield for Van Veen to score.

A straight-running Jason Carney replied for Cowra off a neat inside ball from Burton, but further four-pointers to Brendon Van Veen and Doggett glossed the half-time scoreline.

Cowra burst back into the match thanks to a Will Ingram run and then a fortuitous try to Aaron Denzel, but could do nothing to stop the fast-finishing Lithgow.

Scott Fittler proved the visitors never-say-die attitude when he chased down a kick to beat Magpies fullback Darren Nurcombe to the ball to score with only two minutes remaining.

Cowra enjoyed better luck in the lower grades, claiming their maiden first division win of the season 26-0 and scrapping to an under 18s win 22-14.

Lithgow Workies 32 (Jono Van Veen, Brendon Van Veen, Michael Doggett, Daniel Beckett, Garry Milligan, Scott Fittler tries; Milligan 4 goals) defeated Cowra Magpies 16 (Jason Carney, Will Ingram, Aaron Denzel tries; Ingram 2 goals)