Given an early head start by dynamic Peter Little, Southcity subsequently fell off the pace before producing a flying finish to overwhelm the fading Tigers 29-20.

Recovering from two sensational strikes from Little, Gundagai hit back with four straight tries to turn a 12-0 deficit into a 20-12 lead by half-time.

And just when it seemed Gundagai might be on target to break its four-game streak at the Wagga venue, the Bulls came storming back to give Fitzhenry a victory to savour.

Rather than just trot out the cliches, Fitzhenry later showed genuine fervour at giving the Tigers a start and a beating.

"That was a good win ... we needed that," Fitzhenry said.

"We'll play them again in the finals and we wanted to make a statement.

"We did."

Echoing the past, Southcity again denied Gundagai a breakthrough success on Fitzhenry's watch at Harris Park.

Since moving to Wagga to coach Southcity in 2011, Fitzhenry has built a remarkable record of success against Gundagai - and yesterday sent the Tigers crashing to their 10th loss in 13 games.

The Tigers anguish was made all the more graphic as the loss piled pressure on the team to stay in the top three for the Group Nine finals.

With three games to go in the home and away series, including a daunting duel with Albury next Sunday, Gundagai is clinging to third place, but only on for and against differential ahead of Young.

In contrast, Southcity has stitched up second place - and a critical home final, a point that has been weighing heavily on the Bulls coach.

Reflecting on yesterday's come-from-behind triumph over his football bunny, Fitzhenry said gaining a mental edge is important ahead of the semi-finals.

"They (Gundagai) came across needing to win, but they didn't," he said.

"They got us for 20 minutes in the first half, but we did the same in the second half."

Continuing his breathtaking scoring spree, Little was in brilliant touch to blitz Gundagai for two fabulous long-range solo tries as Southcity blazed ahead 12-0 inside 19 minutes.

Little's dazzling work, which showcased his speed, strength and amazing anticipation, was turned sour when the Bulls made simple mistakes in their own territory.

Quick as a flash, the Tigers responded with tries to Matt Rose (21st minute), Damian Willis (25th), Cameron Woo (29th) and Phil Latu (37th) to put Southcity in the shade.

Towering Rulon Nutira and the other Gundagai forwards led the revival by dominating the middle ground - and keeping the Bulls under control.

Significantly, the power play turned a full cycle in the second half as the smaller Southcity pack started to punch above its weight.

Back rowers Jordan Shepherd and Tim Hurst were inspirational as the Bulls fought back, but big Wayne Goolagong and nippy hooker Pani Manawatu also led the way.

In fact, Manawatu scored the sweetest try of the day, sucking the Gundagai defence before zooming over in the 71st minute.

By the time Nathan Rose had booted the conversion the Bulls were in front again (22-20) – and in full roar.

Some more Little magic - this time a superbly timed pass - put Shepherd over for a deserved try in the 78th minute before Fitzhenry made the poignant play of the day by potting a field goal after the siren.