As the victory condition is solely dependent on control of a village hex, I set the Aussies up in a forward defence along the trail hoping to get into the other village near the north map edge ahead of the Japanese. This strong stack with a great leader proved to be immovable. I probably assaulted it too soon thinking that time was of the essence. Instead I should have moved more Japanese adjacent to soften up the village first. Due to some great/lucky rolls the Aussies eliminated several Japanese infantry and demoralized others.

Meanwhile the remaining Japanese wandered around the woods until stumbling upon the next defensive position. They had more luck here, reducing some units and pushing others back demoralized. However time ran out with the Japanese still not even adjacent to the victory village hex.

I made a couple of rule mistakes; HMGs are less effective on assaults and the shift in assaults for Japanese troops but I don't think it affected the result.

When I revisit this one I think the Japanese will get a lot closer to winning.