Hayden Ashcroft scored his first win as captain-coach as the Wagga side held cross-town rivals Southcity at bay to take a 34-26 win at Equex Centre on Saturday.

While thrilled to take the two points, Ashcroft is confident there is better to come for the young side.

"We're a side that is just going to keep getting better," Ashcroft said.

"We are all about the level and we managed to scrape through and get to two points.

"It was ugly but we have to be happy with a win and we can take some confidence into next week's game."

Southcity started well with Cody Hodge scoring the first of his three tries after 10 minutes before Kangaroos started to capitalise.

Eight minutes later Eddie Jackson levelled things when he crossed from dummy half before tries to Jake Mascini, Ashcroft and Ryan Cronin gave Kangaroos a 24-6 lead into the break.

However it was far from pretty viewing from a Kangaroos stand point in the second stanza as they failed to keep the pressure on the Bulls.

Coming off a tight loss to Tumut, it is something Ashcroft wants the team to improve on.

"I think I'm someone who is hard on myself and on the boys but I think we have so much more to offer," he said.

Southcity responded five minutes after the break as Hodge ran 55 metres to score before Ashcroft put Jordan Coleman over just three minutes later.

The Bulls got within eight points with 23 minutes to play before Mascini took the line on and scored his second with 12 left on the clock.

It proved to be the decisive play.

Mitch Bennett again made it an eight-point game with seven to play but Kangaroos were able to hold on and keep the Bulls winless in the process.

Ashcroft was pleased with the way the team responded.

"I think Southcity are a side who build on confidence and we knew they would come home hard at the end," he said.

"I haven't been totally satisfied with the performances we've been putting out there each week so we've got plenty to work on and need to keep being responsive in terms of what we're doing at training and being able to put it together on the field."

Kangaroos struggled to complete after scoring points however the Bulls couldn't convert as both teams struggled to sustain pressure.

It is one thing Ashcroft wants to improve heading into a clash with Junee at Laurie Daley Oval on Saturday.

"We make it hard for ourselves and it is something we are trying to change," he said.

"Whether it is a cultural thing or an individual we are still trying to work that out."

Kangaroos also played most of the game without Eddie Lagaali (hamstring) while Hayden Jolliffe (shoulder) didn't take part in the second half.

Ashcroft hopes neither injury concern is too serious.

"I don't think there is anything too serious there, just a few niggles, but we will see what happens," he said.

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