The Magpies displayed determination, scoring two quick tries after the break to haul themselves back in contention, in their Group 6 Country Rugby League first grade clash at Mittagong Sportsground.

Picton player/coach Gary Dowse said he was concerned when his team trailed at the break.

Halfback Will Dreve was one of Picton's best on the night.

Oakdale player coach Geoff Thomson was disappointed his team did not repeat last season's appearance in the grand final.

``We were ahead at half-time and playing quite well, it was basically our game to lose,'' Thomson said.

``I was quite confident we'd get the job done if we had kept doing what we were doing.

``But we put ourselves under pressure early in the second half with too many missed one-on-one tackles and they scored two quick tries in two sets after the break.''

``It just snowballed from there and full credit to Picton for the way they came back at us.''

Dowse knows his side will face a tough task against the Roosters.