The Scorpions trailed 18-10 at halftime and 24-10 with only 20 minutes to go in the game at Cahill Oval.

The Scorpions had the better chances in the first half but a lack of patience in attacking positions led to poor ball control.

The handling errors gave Lakes the opportunity to get back into the contest and, eventually, they were able to turn Macquarie’s mistakes and penalties into points.

At halftime, Macquarie coach Adam Bettridge had a strong message for his men.

He stressed the need to be patient and control the ball because he sensed scoring opportunities would come.

To come from 24-10 down with only 20 minutes to go against the premiers who were playing in front of a parochial home crowd was something special, the coach said.

“We had plenty of opportunities to score points early in the second half but we just could not execute and probably missed at least three strong scoring opportunities,” Bettridge said.

“But once we scored that first try to get back to within eight points we always looked likely to put more points on them.

“I was very pleased with the way they controlled the game in the last quarter of the contest.”

With three minutes remaining in the game, Scorpions winger Ryan Pywell worked the play well into Lakes territory with a strong run.

From the play-the-ball, Scott Briggs laid on a perfect pass to his bother, Isaac, who crossed untouched to score.

Centre Teason Fa'Avae-Eli kicked the conversion for the Scorpions to earn a two-point win.

“From the point of view of the competition ladder, the win was crucial as we are now three points clear of Lakes United and two clear of both Western Suburbs and South Newcastle with only three rounds remaining,” Bettridge said.

Wins in reserve grade and open grade also pleased the coach.

The Scorpions are at home at Lyall Peacock Field this Saturday against Maitland.