Reddies have been piling on the points as they went undefeated through the first five rounds, but were really challenged at Beres Ellwood Oval on Saturday.

They took a 12-10 lead into half-time and despite scoring twice after the break still struggled to shake off their crosstown rivals.

However a late try to captain Emma Robertson sealed a 34-27 victory.

With Biola Dawa not playing and Ellen McIntyre struggling with illness, coach Andy Bedford was thrilled by how other members of the team stood up.

"We were a little up against it with a few girls who were crook but I thought some of less-experienced players stood up," Bedford said.

"That's what got us over the line - a bit of heart."

Julia Gouot was one of the new faces who impressed while Robertson also led the way.

However it was far from a complete performance from the premiers.

"It was a good arm wrestle and we played quite well in patches and then turned over some easy footy," Bedford said.

"They've got some slick hands and beat us out wide a couple of times.

"It was back and forth from there but I thought we were more physical and that is what got us over the line."

Reddies have jumped clear at the top of the ladder but it is tight in the battle for the top four places behind them.

With a game in hand against Leeton, Tumut are second after a 46-10 win over Albury on Saturday but 10 points behind.

Waratahs and Griffith, who scored a 22-5 win over Ag College, are both two further points behind but two ahead of Wagga City after their 50-12 win over sixth-placed Leeton.

Waratahs have now lost two of their last three games and have another difficult challenge against Tumut on Saturday while CSU has another big clash against Griffith in a rematch of last year's grand final.

They took a 69-10 win when the teams met in round two.

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