In the first 30 minutes of their round 12 game under-strength premiers Villages United gave up 22 early points to CSU before clawing their way back to a two-point contest at the 45-minute mark, indicating the New Era Midwest Cup is far from a two-team conclusion.

Despite being under pressure, giving away a string of penalties, having two players sin binned and Jarrod Gaffa sent off, Villages still managed to score the last three tries of the first half, going to the break 22-16 down.

Soon after the resumption, Villages’ Keilan Crawford crossed for an unconverted try to bring his side within two points of the home side.

CSU put on another 10 points before two more Villages’ tries and a field goal gave them a one-point lead 33-32 for five minutes before Oscar Thorburn scored the first of three CSU tries, giving the university side the win.

In an absorbing match, Brad Rushby and Blake Dean were best for the winners, and Taitlin Hill and Tony Cleven best for their cross-town rivals.

At Lithgow the Portland Colts scored a win against Lithgow Bears 52-0 and, keeping the running tight for fourth position, Orange Barbarians won their match against Kandos Waratahs 26-6 in a shortened second half.

CSU Yellow won their league tag match 28-10 over the Villagettes while Wallerawang were too good for CSU Blue, 28-18.