Junee claimed a crucial win over Cootamundra to stay right in the hunt for finals.
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The Diesels moved back into fourth position as results went their way over the weekend.
Both teams were just percentage outside the top four heading into the game so there was plenty of the line for at Laurie Daley Oval on Saturday.
Taking advantage of having Rob Tulenew sin-binned, the Diesels scored four successive tries leading into half-time to set up a winning advantage.
With their finals hopes on the line Cootamundra drew within six points midway through the second half but the Diesels recovered to take a 34-22 win.
Coming off losses to Temora and Gundagai before the bye, coach Jim Vatubuli was pleased with how his team responded.
“The boys played really well in the first half just to keep their composure, there was a lot of penalties going both way,” Vatubuli said.
“But one of their players got sin-binned and we capitalised on the 10 minutes he was off.”
The return of captain Daniel Foley helped sparked the side.
He crossed for their first try before Cootamundra responded as Aaron Byrne and Jarrod Brackenhofer both scored.
However the tide changed with Tulenew was given his marching orders and quick tries to Timoci Vatubuli, Joe Eichner, Damon Jackson and Rusiate Kaliseiwaqa helped the Diesels to a 28-12 lead at the break.
Despite a Cootamundra comeback helped by Junee conceding plenty of penalties, luck favoured the home side.
Tries to Glen Buttriss and James Gartside got the score to 28-22 before a fortunate bounce led to Foley being able to seal the victory.
Simon Wilson was outstanding at five-eighth while Hayden Diggins had another strong game at hooker.
Foley and Pat Sweeney also impressed after their overseas trip.
The Diesels have missed the spark provided by their captain, but Vatubuli was pleased with how seamlessly they came back into the side.
“Having those boys back was a big plus for us and they hit the ground running too,” he said.
Trent Schubach picked up a thigh issue but played out the game.
He’s the only real injury concern heading into the big clash with Southcity on Sunday.
However the Bulldogs weren’t as lucky and will need to lick their wounds quickly if they are going to stay in the hunt when they host fellow finals contenders Tumut next week.
The Blues slipped out of the top four after losing to Gundagai and are now a win behind Junee in the race for the finals.
