Playing a man short didn't stop Wagga City from taking an important win over Ag College on Saturday.
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The Boiled Lollies had prop Nick Gleeson red carded midway through a game, but still managed to keep their rivals tryless in the second half at Conolly Rugby Complex.
Ag College had led from most of the game, but couldn't maintain the pressure to fall 16-8.
The win keeps Wagga City inside the top four and could be crucial for the tight run into finals.
Coach James Curgenven was thrilled to take the win.
"We aimed for three wins in the next five games to make sure we get into finals," Curgenven said.
"We were thinking the games we would be targetting are the likes of Tumut and Albury, but getting the result over Aggies helps us no end.
"It's still a tough four weeks to make sure we get into that top four."
City are three points behind Griffith and two clear of Albury.
Ag College had plenty of opportunities to score as they dominated possession, but the undermanned City defence backed themselves.
Not only did they hold strong but found a way to breakthrough as tries to Gordon and Loramo Lagaali proved to be the difference.
It's not the first time a red charge has been a spark the Boiled Lollies have needed.
While pleased they got the job done, Curgenven wants discipline to improve.
"Our discipline in the first half was terrible in all honestly but the guys dug deep and had to really put a performance in to make sure we kept the Aggies out," he said.
"I don't know what it is, and we did the same against Leeton, but we were playing terrible then get a red card and come away and win it.
"When we go down to 14 men people switch on and play the way we are supposed to.
"I don't know why we do it but against the better sides in the comp we can't give away the penalties like we do and expect to get the result.
"It was a bit of luck on our side."
Aggies coach Will Mitchell labelled it his side's worst performance of the year.
He was appalled with their execution after having the better attacking chances throughout the game.
"We just didn't want it as much as City," Mitchell said.
"You could just tell and we couldn't execute.
"We were nowhere near our best and nowhere near good enough."
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