The Wagga heavyweights were in danger of missing the split before wins over Temora, Wagga City and CSU moved them into fourth on the compact ladder.

Needing to defeat CSU in the final game before the split, Waratahs overcame a slow start to run out with a 37-17 win.

The win moves them above Tumut, following its loss to Leeton, and ends CSU’s hopes of making the top tier.

Coach Will Mitchell was a relieved figure after the win.

“I couldn’t fathom what would happen if we were playing in the ‘spaghetti cup’, I just wouldn’t know what to do,” Mitchell said.

“We’ve got a lot of improvement in us and have the cattle to do it so we’re excited.

“We’ve ticked this off, we put ourselves in a silly situation but have five more games against quality opposition before finals.”

CSU was on top early with Andrew Dutton scoring the opening try of the game.

Waratahs hit back through boot of Euan Bonner who slotted his first of three penatly goals.

The decision to take the minor points when they were on offer enabled Waratahs to continue to mount scoreboard pressure and in the end it pay dividends.

The Waratahs forwards were then able to get on top and it was through their bigger men that most of the damage was done.

Only one of their four tries were scored by backs, although Sam Palmer’s try was set up by some brilliance from fullback Steve Tracey.

‘Tahs spread it wide and with Tracey about to go into touch he chipped back in field where Palmer dived on the ball to score.

Waratahs lead 20-12 at the break and while Reddies were in touching distance, they quickly found themselves on the back foot.

Tim Corcoran scored shortly after half-time to extend the margin before Dave Armstrong sealed the win.

Moses Waqa scored late for CSU but it wasn’t enough to prevent them slipping into the second tier this season.

Despite moving into fourth with the win, Mitchell is still looking for his team to improve its defence.

“Our defence is a worry for us and we’ve scored plenty of points but we’ve also leaked plenty of points,” he said.

“The standard isn’t coming from us players anymore it’s coming from the players which is refreshing. It’s better but it’s not at the standard we want it to be at.”

Full-time

WARATAHS 37 (M Meggison, S Palmer, D Armstrong, T Corcoran tries; E Bonner 4 cons, 3 pens) d CSU 17 (M Waqa, A Dutton, P Hood tries; P Hood con)