The Magpies recovered from a six-point deficit in the second-half at Sid Kallas Oval, scoring the game’s final three tries in a 20-12 victory.

Magpies captain Warren Williams said his side’s attitude improved after the break, helping them repel a number of Bears sets on their own line.

“Most of the stuff we do is defence. All we talk about is one percenters. Talking to one another and having faith in your mate,” Williams said post-match.

“The win is good, we needed it. It’s an important one.

“We haven’t been bad [the last two weeks], we just haven’t been completing our sets and we did lack that again today on and off.”

Toby Nobes opened the scoring about 10 minutes from kick-off and Cameron Breust added the extras for a 6-0 lead.

Blayney responded with back-to-back tries in the 25^th and 36^th minute to take a 8-6 lead into the sheds, with both of Josh Rainbow’s conversions sailing wide.

Rainbow again failed to hit the target after Will Ingram crashed over from dummy-half to extend his side’s lead to six points moments from the restart.

It was all-square minutes later when Zac Starr crossed under the posts and Breust converted.

Williams busted Blayney’s line at the 50^th minute to edge the hosts ahead 16-12, a lead that was extended with about 10 minutes remaining when Zac Browne jumped on a well-weighted Williams grubber.

The Magpies defence held firm during the closing stages for a 20-12 win.

The result means Cowra has mirrored their opening three rounds of the season in starting the second round.

This Sunday they meet Orange CYMS at Wade Park.

“We’re basically at the same position we were at the start of the year with two losses and a win so it’s something we can build on,” Williams said.

 “We have to train well on both nights and hopefully get the win.”

Cowra Magpies 20 (Toby Nobes, Zac Starr, Warren Williams and Zac Browne tries; Cameron Breust 2 goals) defeated Blayney Bears 12 (Liam Burrell, Dion Jones and Will Ingram tries).