Panthers were up 14-0 after 23 minutes before the first of two tries to Magpies winger David Brooks seven minutes before half-time and conversion from Tyler Nobes kept the home side in the match.

Cowra’s coach Troy Newcombe must have said something special in the sheds as his outfit returned to the field more committed and dominated the scoreboard, at one stage leading 16-14.

However, as Panthers struggled with a number of players showing signs of injury, Ryan Drew converted a penalty to level the scores at 16-all with 15 minutes to go.

Panthers even had a few opportunities to snatch victory in the dying seconds of the match, firstly from a Elvy drop goal attempted 15 metres out and another from a long range movement.

While Elvy admitted he just about missed the ball when kicking for the field goal, he did praise the Cowra defence for their level of intensity throughout the match.

“I feel a bit disappointed almost like we lost the match, but for them [Cowra] it would have felt like a win almost,” he said.

“We knew it would be tough going to Cowra so early in the season and I believe they will be a force in the competition, particularly at home.

“We scrambled well in defence, but our attack was a little bit predictable and I take some of the blame for that.”

Panthers opened the scoring in the 14th minute of the match when Christian Luyks crossed for a try off a Magpies handling error.

The visitors extended their lead further when winger Grant Cock finished with the ball from a well weighted kick.

While Panthers were unable to score any second half tries compared to Cowra’s two, Elvy thought his team would be much better off for playing such a close game.

“It was a good game for the guys considering we haven’t played a game for seven weeks or so,” he said.