With all those entrenchments, it seemed daunting at first, but the Australian strategy was to move south and to the east of the anti-tank ditches and strike early. Using the Matildas to force Italian surrenders would be critical to achieve victory. The Italian strategy is to stay put, try to wear down the Australians, and hold on to 10 entrenchments by sunset.

At 1645, the Australians hade made good progress, but still had 5 entrenchments to clear in only 2.5 hours to achieve victory. They decided to concentrate their efforts in the easternmost line of entrenchments to stay out of range of the Italian artillery positioned on the south hill. Again, success would hinge on how fast the Matildas could force surrenders along the line.

At 1800, the Australians had cleared all but 7 entrenchments, and had Matildas adjacent to two of those. With sunset soon approaching, the victorious Australians pulled back slightly to avoid further losses. They had lost two officers, two platoons of Bren carriers, and one step of infantry. The primary reason for the Australian victory was the Matildas. When they approached the entrenchments, the Italians typically surrendered and the infantry avoided assaults that can be costly in terms of casualties.