Back-to-back losses against Trundle and now Manildra has resulted in Canowindra slipping from third to sixth on the competition ladder in the space of a fortnight.

Despite this weekend’s match-up with struggling defending premiers Binalong Brahmans, Canowindra is facing a tough end to the regular rounds with three games against sides currently above them – Condobolin, Cargo and Grenfell.

Canowindra’s home game against Binalong shapes as crucial in order to remain in touch with the top five, and the Matt Frazer led side took plenty of confidence out of the Manildra loss despite the end result.

Canowindra’s first half has been described as one of their best halves of football this season, in which tries to Mick Mason and Brydon Hughes helped develop a 10-0 lead.

The game’s intensity continued into the second period turning the match into an arm wrestle that either side weren’t allowing the other to win.

Manildra’s defence repelled several attacking raids from the Tigers and it wasn’t until the 55^th minute, when the Rhinos opened their account, that the lead narrowed to 10-6.

The second placed Rhinos hit the lead with six minutes remaining, following a repeat set inside Canowindra’s half, through their five-eight scoring under the posts.

A late penalty goal increased the advantage to 14-10 where the scores remained until full-time.

Despite the result, the Tigers produced one of their best performances in recent years in an enthralling match for supporters of either side.

Jayden Brown was superb making 55 tackles for the day closely followed by Curtis Hughes who registered 43.

Matt Frazer again worked tirelessly in the middle recording 16 runs and 13 tackles.

Brown and Hughes received three and two points respectively along with joint players’ player awards while Harry Myers, Brydon Hughes and Alex Willson shared one point.

This Saturday the Tigers host Binalong Brahmans at Tom Clyburn Oval, Saturday from 3pm following the ladies’ league tag.