Revisiting this scenario after about 7 years, as I attempt a solo experience of all 30 Kokoda Trail scenarios. Last time I had the same experience as pretty much everyone else. If the Japanese win the initiative on turn 2, they can block the trail preventing the Aussies coming from the east getting a clear run through.

This time the Australians did in fact make the crossroads first, and were able to undertake a fighting retreat. The Japanese manged a handful of assaults and and the losses were 3:2 in favour of the aggressors, only after the Australians rolled snake eyes to inflict 2 Japanese losses!

The defenders limped off the west edge of the map half demoralized, but winning 7 VPs to 3. A Phyrric victory.