CSU has ensured its destiny is in its own hands after a comfortable win over Temora at Beres Ellwood Oval on Saturday.
The Tuskers shocked Wagga City to all but end its hopes of making the premier division a fortnight ago but Reddies didn’t fall victim to the same trick.
Temora kept pace with CSU early, however the Wagga team soon took the ascendancy midway through the half before coming away with a 66-12 win.
The win sees Reddies move around arch rivals Ag College in the compact Southern Inland ladder and keeps them well and truly in the hunt for a top six division before the crucial game against Waratahs on Saturday.
Both teams are just inside the top six, locked on 24 points, with the winner assured of a position in the top tier.
CSU coach Paul Spain is looking for another strong effort in the set piece against Waratahs.
In command at half-time with a 33-7 lead, CSU cruised to victory in a second half highlighted by a couple of long range efforts.
Most of the Reddies’ tries were scored out wide with fullback Mitch Fealy crossing for a double as did Hamish McMahon.
Both of McMahon’s tries came in the first half, with his first coming from some brilliant lead up from Sterling Ross who has back a fullback before he charged down the sideline.
His second was just as impressive when Lachlan Busby was able to get a miracle ball away just before going into touch which found McMahon just on half-time.
Making his first grade debut the 18-year-old looked a home on the edge for CSU.
With older brother Charles playing flanker, Spain was impressed with how McMahon slotted into the team as the back line was reshuffled due to Brent Merritt’s season-ending injury.
“He was excellent, scored two first half tries and did everything he asked of him,” Spain said.
Paul Hood lead the team around the park well with Dean Smart also strong in his return.
The standout for Temora was Fijian recruit Texman Ratuva.
Not only did the raw-boned number eight tower above both team mates and opponents, he had plenty of impact on the game.
He scored the Tuskers’ opening points with ease and will cause plenty of headaches once he grows into his big frame more.
Full-time
CSU 66 (H McMahon 2, M Fealy 2, S Ross, D Smart, M Waqa, J Busby, B Crawford, J Tumakauvadra tries; P Hood 8 cons) d Temora 12 (T Ratuva, J Skidmore tries; A Burnett con)
