Gripping finish

Branighan was clearly the difference as Young kept its place in the queue for the Group Nine finals by sending the Brethren packing back to Wagga, 26-22.

In a gripping finish, Young outlasted battling Brothers to keep a firm on the fourth spot on the table and put heat on Gundagai to stay in third position.

On a day when Young warhorse Nick Hall made a remarkable comeback off the bench in first grade, the Cherrypickers had to work overtime to beat Brothers, a team definitely on struggle-street.

And not for the first time, Branighan came to the rescue, showing brilliant touch to score two tries and create chances for his team.

Branighan's impressive input was certainly needed as Young launched a rearguard action to overwhelm the Wagga rival.

With Brothers up 12-0, Branighan scored a try each side of half-time to get the Cherrypickers back on level terms.

Later he served up a gem of a pass for Nayah Freeman to score before also putting Jake Veney in for a vital try.

Understandably Branighan was rated clearly the best for the winners, but Freeman and hooker Aaron Byrne won plaudits as well.

Likewise, Brothers second rower Blake Dunn was lauded for his "incredible" efforts, with winger Nota Fotu gaining an accolade to boot.

For Brothers, the tight result against the fourth-placed Cherrypickers was further proof that the team is capable of much better than finishing down the table.

The Cherrypickers have the bye this week and will finish off with games against Tumut (home) and Gundagai (away).

Victories in both games would clinch Young third place, at worst, on the table.

Young lost dynamic Sam Langford with a leg injury before the game but he should be fit for the clash with the Blues in a fortnight.

Rather than give the team a leisurely week, Branighan intends to set a tough training schedule ahead of a Young junior rugby league social function on Saturday.