A FINAL minute try from number eight Sterling Ross ensured CSU stole a thrilling 19-17 win over arch rivals Ag College at Beres Ellwood Oval on Saturday.
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Ross has been splitting his time between playing rugby union for the Reddies and Australian Rules for Ungarie, but stood up for when CSU needed it most.
He took four defenders over the line to score before Paul Hood coolly slotted the match-winning conversion from adjacent to the goal posts.
The win ensures CSU stays well in the fight for a top six finish before the competition splits after the next five rounds.
Coach Paul Spain was thrilled to come away with the much needed points, which moves them to outright fifth, five points clear of Wagga City.
“We needed that win and if we dropped that game the top six becomes harder,” Spain said.
“That win keeps us in touch and up there.”
After taking a 7-5 lead into half-time, Reddies fell behind twice in the second half before Ross and Hood combined to get them over the line.
In a see-sawing clash, Ag College went back in front with six minutes remaining, but couldn’t hold out on final charge from Ross.
Coming off a loss to Tumut, Spain thought his team played with a lot more intensity while Ag College struggled to back up its dominant win over Waratahs.
“Aggies are a great team but we thought after such a high last week with the reunion and everything coming down from a week like that it can be challenge to get yourselves up again,” he said.
The returning Ryan Prior stood out for Reddies at inside centre in attack and defence while Brad Crawford made up for a costly yellow card against the Bulls with a strong performance.
CSU has another big test coming up againt Leeton and Spain is looking for his team to rise to the occasion as part of a difficult run into the split where they tackle three teams above them, Leeton, Griffith and Waratahs.
