Playing at home, the Roosters got off to a strong start and took a 37-19 lead into the quarter time break.

This would have pleased acting captain Cameron White, who spoke before the bounce about the importance of "getting a jump early".

However, they added just one more before three quarter time as their opponents got within one major score of them.

The contest became even more hotly contested in the dying minutes, as Vale kicked the final three goals of the match to take a one point lead.

As shown throughout the season so far though, the Roosters come home strong, and they managed to even the game up to 60-60.

Ultimately, the match was decided by two defining moments. Sam Brasington, the side's top scorer for the season, found the ball in his hands with around 30 seconds left on the clock and was able to snap the ball over his shoulder for a behind - putting them in front.

Then, with Vale under pressure to move the ball quickly, they went straight down the middle from the kick-in. A mark for the away side would have seen them move the ball quickly up the ground and in all likelihood score, whether it be a point or a goal.

But that wasn't what happened, instead reigning Elliott Davey medallist and former player-coach Andrew Scott judged the ball best and took a crucial pack mark to relieve the pressure, and from there he knew what had to be done.

"I just happened to be there and I got my hands on it and took a mark, and we managed to hold to it for the last 30 seconds," he said.

The side's ability to hold on was made all the more impressive when taking the heat, which White spoke about before match, and the fact that Jackson Kolatchew came off with a dislocated knee in the first quarter, into consideration.

The result sees them hold onto third place but give a themselves a four point cushion between fourth spot.

They will take on table-toppers Terrigal Avoca this Saturday at Rose Point Park.