The Blues haven’t beaten the Tigers since 2010 after the 20-14 result on Sunday.

In a physical derby clash, the Tigers proved too strong while handing their rivals hopes of making the top four a big blow.

Barring two heavy losses in the final two rounds of the season, the win secured the Tigers a finals berth.

It took them nine rounds to move into the top four for the first time this season and now Gundagai captain-coach Smart has his sights set on finishing in third place.

“It is really important we lock up that third spot and the home semi in week one,” Smart said.

“Whoever we play against it will give you that little bit of an edge over them.”

Tumut started well when Adam Pearce opened the scoring but Gundagai were able to take a 12-6 lead into the break after a late try from Tyron Gorman.

James Luff levelled the game after diving over from dummy half before Gorman’s last second try gave the Tigers plenty of momentum.

Tumut responded to a Tigers penalty goal when Dean Bristow crossed but Gundagai answered through Rhys Smart.

Austin McDougall scored in the dying stages but it wasn’t enough for the Blues who have slipped back out of the top four.

Missing the clash with a knee injury, Smart was pleased to bring up another win but wants more from his side.

“It was good to get the win as it was a massive game,” he said.

“They were right up for it Tumut, especially physically, they really ripped it and it was a tough game of footy.

“But there is plenty of things in our game that we need to improve on.

“I feel like our game management, at times, was a little bit down, especially in the first 10 minutes of the second half I thought we were really in control, making some go inroads through the middle of the field and if we continued to do that then we would score some points.

“But we made some errors and luckily for us Tumut made just as many errors and struggled to get out of their own end for the first 20 minutes of the second half.

“I think both sides completed at around 63 per cent so while the game was really physical there was a fair share of errors in there as well.

“It would be nice to fix those things up before we go into the semis.”

Joel Field was outstanding for the Tigers, getting through plenty of work, while Luke Berkrey was strong filling in as captain.

The Tigers tackle lowly Temora on Sunday while Tumut have a big clash with Cootamundra, who are level on points with them.

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