Coach Pat Noonan declared the 13.9 (87) to 10.6 (66) win at Peter Hastie Oval their best performance of the season as CSU knocked over a team above them on the ladder for the first time this season.

Their fifth win of the season has the Bushpigs four points behind fourth-placed East Wagga-Kooringal and two wins below Temora. 

“We just worked our butts off from start to finish and it really paid off today,” Noonan said. “It was just really good that we got over that speed hump from last week (losing to ladder leaders North Wagga). The boys are back and raring to go this week which was good.”

After a straight-shooting first quarter the teams went to the break level at 5.1 each.

CSU edged ahead in the second to lead by seven points before gradually pressing home the advantage in the second half, while nullifying the Roos.

They kicked three goals to one in the third quarter and then had seven scoring shots to two in a nerve-wracking last term to ensure victory. 

“I think our midfield was good this time. Last time we let them run a bit free and they could really deliver it to (Matt) Wallis unchecked,” Noonan said.

“This time we sort of shut them down a fair bit and it made it a lot easier for our backs. But in saying that, our backline really were instrumental today with their run.”

Noonan called for accountability from his midfielders and got it with Louis Miller, Brayden Ambler and Will Thorp leading the way. 

Forward Joe Stapleton also had an impact.

“As a centre-half-forward, you can really own the game and make sure that the balance goes your way and he did that today,” Noonan said. “I’ve been waiting all year and he did it today and it was really good to see.”

CSU lost Jordan Ackland, Dylan McPhail and Charlie West to injuries but don’t believe any of them are serious.

Wallis kicked four goals for Temora and took some strong marks, while Jack Irvine was dangerous through the middle and forward. But it was the Bushpigs’ day from start to finish. 

“I think that was probably the best football I’ve seen the boys play,” Noonan said.

“In both grades – second grade was awesome to watch. It’s good to see we’ve got depth coming through there. It puts a little bit of pressure on the first grade boys but it’s just also good to run out and see the seconds boys up and about. It sort of starts there I think sometimes.”

CSU head to Barellan next week while Temora – who have lost two of their last three games – are at home to East Wagga-Kooringal in a third v fourth encounter.

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