Played against a local player. I was the Japanese and he the Aussies. I advanced toward the vital crossroads from the northern trail while his Aussie units in the town headed west. His offboard units entered and moved east to try and secure the crossroads. In the subsequent turns the Australians gained the initiative advantage and were able to exit seven steps off the west edge before the Japanese could put up an effective defense. This scenario seems to be heavily dependent on who wins the initiative rolls at the beginning of the turn. If the Japanese can beat the Aussies to the crossroads they stand a chance of winning.