With only three games left in the season, Ashford were determined to cement the win, making life easier for the side heading into the finals.

Ashford’s 15-man squad arrived to freezing conditions knowing full well the match was going to be a tough one.

President Dean Beveridge described the match as a gutsy and committed effort as Ashford scraped through with a 22-20 win over Guyra.

“Due to injury and a couple in the sin bin it was pretty tough game. We ended up playing with only 13 men.”

Standout players included John Krauss, Dylan Lewis and fullback Kyle Hills who “basically held the game together”.

“Kyle’s only a little bloke who had a lot of big men running at him; he saved at least four tries,” Beveridge said.

In the final minute of play Guyra was awarded a penalty within the 10-metre try line and had a clear opportunity to take the win from Ashford.

“Kyle and the winger took down one of Guyra’s biggest blokes on the field to save the try and win the game for us. It was a pretty outstanding effort.”

Sitting fifth on the ladder, Beveridge hopes a win over Bingara at home on Saturday will push the Roosters into fourth position.

“We kick off at 1pm with the girls at our home ground on Saturday against Bingara.

“Our girls were narrowly beaten 10-0 last weekend and it’s been a long year for the girls but they’re enjoying their footy and it’s the first year playing together,” he said.

Beveridge said Group 19’s second division competition was “coming along well” adding it was a good competition for the smaller towns involved.

“All the sides are getting along and enjoying getting together after the games for a few drinks.”

Currently, the Uralla Tigers are sitting top of the ladder with 22 points followed closely by the Warialda Wombats on 19.

Guyra are sitting third place on 18 points above Tenterfield who are also on 18 points. Below Ashford, in sixth place, are Bingara on 9 points.