The Diesels finals destiny is in their hands despite falling to Southcity on Sunday.

After a draw between Cootamundra and Tumut, Junee only needs to defeat Young on Sunday to secure a finals berth.

After struggling last season, Junee is on the brink of returning to the finals as they look to end their premiership drought spanning back to 1986.

For the second time this year the ladder-leading Bulls needed a late rally to down Junee.

The two teams virtually went try for try at Harris Park before the Bulls scored twice in the last five minutes to secure the minor premiership and ensure an anxious final round of the regular season.

Despite the 36-24 loss, Junee coach Jim Vatubuli believes it shows his side can compete with the very best.

“It was one of the most important games of the season where we got to gauge ourselves against the benchmark,” Vatubuli said.

“Southcity are the benchmark in the comp so it is just a matter of us trying to see where we stand with them.

“To go toe-to-toe until the last five minutes we know where we stand now.

“Hopefully we can get in the top four as we can definitely shake up the ladder.”

Vatubuli was a relieved man to hear Cootamundra scored in the dying minutes to force the draw at Les Boyd Oval.

It leaves both sides one point behind the Diesels heading into the last round of the season.

Cootamundra must beat Temora while Tumut needs to down Southcity on Sunday to stay in the hunt all while hoping a resurgent Young, who have won their last three games to move off the bottom of the ladder, can upset the Diesels.

Vatubuli just wants the side to bring they same form and attitude into the clash at Alfred Oval as they did against Southcity.

“They boys really played well to try and match up with Southcity,” he said.

“Hopefully we can keep that momentum going until the end in the last week.”

Junee’s season looked to be in a tailspin after heavy losses to Temora and Gundagai, but they have been able to rediscover their form.

Vatubuli believes having more players back on board, especially captain Daniel Foley has led to the turnaround.

“It is just about getting our players back,” he said.

“You see Foley when he came back he just brought that energy back.

“Everyone is happy and I just only wish we didn’t lose them.”

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