Tumut went eight points up with eight minutes left when Jacob Toppin slotted a 36-metre penalty goal after a controversial decision on Kyle Richens for a high shot on Mitch Ivill.

However, Young weren’t distracted by Shane Bartlett’s call, instead they scored twice in the last five minutes to take a 30-26 win.

Saul Lealaitefea barged over to take the win with what was to be the last play of the day.

Coming off a disappointing second half performance against Albury, Young captain-coach James Woolford was thrilled with his team’s performance.

“I was a massive effort from our one to 17,” Woolford said. “We all turned up ready to play and we could have quite easily folded there in the first half, and the second half, but we turned it around and come away with the two points.”

Disappointed by how the team let in an unanswered 28 points to lose to the Thunder at home, the resolve showed to become the first team to beat the Blues has Woolford hopeful once more.

“We know we can beat teams, it is just a matter of getting there and doing it so I’m really happy,” he said.

Despite the Blues taking a 24-18 lead with 23 minutes to play Young weren’t to be denied and head into a clash with Cootamundra and two byes just a win off top spot.

Young Reserve Grade spokesman Cameron Jones said his team jumped into fourth position on the table, with a hard fought 14 to 12 victory over the Tumut Blues.

“Young had first touch of the football in the game and made great use of it with Riley Manwaring splitting the defence and out pacing Tumut’s fullback to score out wide after only two minutes,” he said.

“The game became a torrid affair from the point onward and to the Pickers credit the team dug deep and withheld the flood of possession Tumut seemed to enjoy for the next ten minutes. It was only after three straight sets in Young’s 10 metre that Tumut finally managed to cross the line. 

“Once Young had its fair share of possession the game turned our way and some sharp ball movement resulted in a try to Jacob Hardy in the 20th minute, and just before half time Riley Manwaring crossed again and with Brady Lestrange slotting the goal from the sideline we went to the break 14 – 4.

“The second half once again saw Tumut have a flood of possession this took its toll and Tumut crossed twice late in the game, the last with only three minutes on the clock, to take the score to a very tense 14-12. The Blue’s failed the sideline conversion to tie it up and Young were able to hold on for a much deserved win.”