With a dusting of snow on the ground in the hills, Cootamundra was frozen out of the game in the opening 20 minutes before unleashing a searing revival.

Tumbarumba blasted on three tries to bolt to a 16-0 lead after 25 minutes, but the Bulldogs came storming back to be down only 18-10 by half-time.

Turning up the heat even more in the second half, Cootamundra outscored Tumbarumba 24-4 and eventually romped home 34-22.

Cootamundra captain-coach Simon Vanzanten later revealed the team had “dug deep” to rein in the tearaway Greens.

“It was a really good effort,” Vanzanten said.

“They’re (Tumbarumba) a good side and kept coming at us.

“We got a slow start but the boys dug deep.”

Vanzanten is adamant the victory was not in any way a surprise.

“Honestly we should have had a couple of wins recently,” he said.

“Goal-kicking’s been the difference. Last week we had Junee on toast.”

In returning to one of his old football stamping grounds, Vanzanten was given a rugged reception, but definitely got the last laugh.

Likewise, ex-Tumbarumba centre Iliesa Takubu returned from injury to play a huge role in getting the Bulldogs home.

Takubu scored a try and troubled the Greens with his strength and speed, with his only blemish bombing an 80 metre try when he dropped the ball over the line.

Rookie winger Jason Cronin scored two tries for the winners, while Matt Forsyth was on target with five goals.

For the Bulldogs, however, the hero was prop Tom Warner, who played “every minute” and led the way with his powerful charges and brutal defence.

In the backs, Simon Lienesch was in devastating touch, while hooker Pat Cameron and five-eighth Matt Berkrey also starred.

Cootamundra face a tough trip to Greenfield Park to play Albury on Sunday as Tumbarumba travels to Alfred Oval to battle Young.