There was little between the two sides throughout the clash at Equex Centre on Sunday, and in the end a Tom McIllhatton penalty goal proved to be the difference.

Young hadn't been beaten by the Tigers all season but had to hold off a late rally to take the victory.

Coach Tom Bush admitted the Cherrypickers made it hard for themselves, and was relieved to come away with a 12-10 victory.

"I'm very pleased and proud of them," Bush said.

"It's hard work all year that has paid off.

"Credit to Gundagai they really stuck at it and there was a point in the second half where I thought they were gone, but they managed to pull it back, get some momentum and make it a close game."

Gundagai thought they had opened the scoring twice but it was man of the match Nick Jenkins who got the 'Pickers on the board first when he crossed after nine minutes.

It would be the only points of the first half.

Gundagai struck three minutes into the second half with Oscar Bartlett scoring in the corner to level things.

With 18 to play Harry Fitzpatrick forced his way over the line to get Young back in front before McIllhaton's goal gave them an eight-point buffer with seven left.

They needed it when Bartlett crossed for his second with two minutes to play and despite the Tigers having the ball for the last two sets the minor premiers were able to hold on.

Jenkins helped get Young moving in the direction with Mitch Prest and Blake Coombes also strong in the forward pack.

FULL-TIME

YOUNG 12 (Nick Jenkins, Harry Fitzpatrick tries; Tom McIllhatton 2 goals) d GUNDAGAI 10 (Oscar Bartlett 2 tries; Jake Hay goal)