The away win at Mount Gambier saw the Panthers finish with a 48-40 win.

A determined Panthers side made a strong start to the game with early tries giving them a comfortable lead.

They led 24-14 at the main break but the Dragons stormed back in front early in the next half.

In recent times such pressure often saw the Panthers collapse as a lack of depth allowed other teams to overrun them.

But they rallied to regain the lead they had lost as they out-ran their opponents.

Jayson Bird crossed three times during the game.

Coach Robbie Gascoyne said his side had been determined all week to keep their season alive. “I told them at half-time, this is our finals chance so if you want it take it now,” he said.

The Panthers’ next game is against Naracoorte Jets on Saturday.