By Liam Cook

Trailing 26-14 with 15 minutes on the clock, Norths came off the canvas to secure their first win of the season and second win in twelve months.

Jacob Prideaux’s penalty conversion from in front of the uprights just after full time evoked jubilant celebrations and immense relief from the Eagles as they defeated Sunnybank 31-29.

A long time in the making, Norths’ victory finally saw them achieve some satisfaction after a long period of toil, according to their coach Pat Byron.

“Very happy for the players and the club,” Byron told Rugby News.

“Despite the slow start to the season, the effort has been there every session, every week and it is a great reward for the boys.”

That reward arose after a game full of fluctuating fortunes and momentum.

Ahead 14-0 until the 34^th minute, Norths made the fast start hooker, Bartholomew Ritchie and number eight, Jeff Ikani who would go on to score a double.

Out of the gates like a cannon, the Eagles lead was soon reeled in by a resurgent Sunnybank side.

The Dragons executed four unanswered tries and looked set to run away with a comeback victory of their own, but the game yet again swayed back in Norths’ favour.

“Was a roller coaster game, we started really well, and then Sunnybank came back really well, at the end of the game it was really anyone’s to win.”

A 73^rd minute try to lock Jack Small helped Norths come within a point of their host’s.

With the wind at their sails, Norths continued pressing and after an advantage call, put through the decisive penalty conversion.

Byron was rapt to get a win on the board, but more particularly pleased with the culmination of all facets of the game.

“I thought out set piece performed better, and we are starting to find our way in attack which is really important.”

After dwelling in the bottom regions of the ladder, a long awaited, well deserved victory for Norths may prove the catalyst for future success