The Entrance defeated Wyong 24-22 in a classic showdown in the Central Coast District Rugby League premiership at Bateau Bay on Sunday.
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The Round 4 clash between last season's grand finalists lived up to expectations.
At the end, the Tigers clung on to a two-point lead for 10 tense minutes as the Roos looked to finish over the top of the home team.
The Entrance crossed first with fullback Grant Nelson touching down in the 11th minute after trailing his forwards through the ruck.
Wyong football manager Stephen Marks said experienced halfback Terence Seu Seu engineered the Roos' first try.
"Wyong replied in the 17th minute when Terence Seu Seu put Tarnae Mahon into space on the Tigers left edge," Marks said.
The Entrance's Adam McInnes scored four minutes later.
"The Roos responded courtesy of a Chis Centrone try in the south-east corner. Wyong right centre, Luke Dolbel, then ricocheted through the defensive line three minutes from the break, allowing the visitors to take a 16-12 lead into halftime."
Wyong scored first in the second stanza and threatened to take control of the match.
Wyong prop Jake Lewis crossed to finish a well worked ruck play to set up a 22-12 lead for the Roos.
"Although down 22-12 the Tigers were not done," Marks said.
"Shaun Corrigan intercepted a pass but was brought to ground in a desperate cover tackle by Mitch Williams.
"Matt Nelson then stepped his way through the teeth of the Wyong defence and raced 40m to score."
When Nelson converted his try he reduced the deficit to 22-18. The match was in the balance.
"Right back rower, Jacob McCudden, brushed past his marker to score the home team's fourth try and level the scoreline," Marks said.
"Nelson converted under pressure to again give his team the lead. The Roos went hard for the final 10 minutes but The Entrance proved too resolute and hung on for a well deserved 24-22 victory."
In other Round 4 games: Berkeley Vale 48 def Northern Lakes 14, Erina 28 def Kincumber 12, and Woy Woy 26 def Ourimbah 12.
This Sunday, May 5, Wyong will host Terrigal at Morry Breen Field, Kanwal, at 2.30pm.
