A strong second half performance gave the SP Hunters a 20-12 win over Burleigh Bears at home at the National Football Stadium this afternoon.
The home side hit the front after eight minutes when quick hands allowed an unmarked Paul Wawa to dive over on the wing.
An error by the Hunters in their own half cost them.
The Bears made them pay through hooker Patrick Politoni who caught the defence napping and burrowed his way over the line to score.
Jamal Fogarty added the extras to put his side in the lead at 6-4 after 16 minutes.
The Bears further extended their lead in the 23rd minute courtesy of Matt White's barnstorming run to the try line carrying over four defenders with him.
Captain and five-eighth Ase Boas put the Hunters back in the game four minutes out from the break with a solo effort to score.
After converting his own try, the score at half-time was left at 12-10.
The Hunters took back the lead in the 47th minute when halfback Watson Boas fired a cut-out pass to Bland Abavu to score out wide.
This plus the support from the 5, 848 fans lifted the Hunters who surged home determined to win.
The nail in the coffin came in the 70th minute through Watson who kicked for himself and regathered to score to seal the win.
The man of the match award for the round 18 clash went to Willie Minoga.