The Magpies produced a gutsy performance on Sunday at Lithgow to beat Workies 34-28, recovering from a 16-10 deficit at the break.

While it’s the first minor title the first grade side’s won in more than two decades, coach Steve Sutton said celebrations weren’t over the top.

He said it meant a lot more to past players.

“It was pretty low key. It doesn’t mean a lot really. The big thing is we’re one win away from hosting the grand final,” Sutton said.

“It means a bit for guys like Dean Murray, Brett Jeffries and Marc McLeish. They were around the club a lot in the late 1990s and early 2000s when we struggled and won a lot of wooden spoons.”

The Magpies were battling a strong breeze in the first half and trailed 16-10.

Four quick Cowra tries from the restart set up the final regular round win and minor premiership. 

As a result, the Magpies have this week off and will host either Orange Hawks or Orange CYMS in two weeks with the winner of that game to host the Group 10 deciders.

Sutton said it was a tough game at Lithgow and sort of match his side was expecting.

He said the week break is handy for Blake Tidswell who’s still sidelined and Ronald Lawrence who picked an injury to his foot on the weekend.

He said the major advantage is the fact they’re only one win away from the decider whereas all other teams are at least two wins away.

“I’d rather be in the position we’re in and have the week off and be straight in the major semi-final,” Sutton said.