The Canowindra Tigers have pulled off a stunning upset, smashing the second-placed Manildra Rhinos 40-6 to keep themselves in the top five at the end of round 12.

Last year's runner-ups, the Rhinos would've been highly fancied, especially after beating beating the Tigers at home earlier in the year in a convincing 40-10 result.

However, aside from an early try in response to an early Frazer Ryder try that had game in the balance at 6-6 15 mins into the first half, the Rhinos failed to fire a shot thereafter.

The Tigers raced away in the second half, turning the six point margin into a crucial 34 point victory that may well prove crucial when the teams are confirmed for the finals.

While the usual suspects - Ryder, Regan Hughes, Andrew Kelleher - stood out for the Tigers, it was Shannon "Ticky" Lee who was judged best afield, the number nine putting up an impressive display, while Harry Whatman impressed with his tackling throughout the day.

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The girls put it to the Rhinos on Sunday and while they ended up going down 16-10 in their match, they showed full intent for the game's entirety.

The Tigeresses were great in defence and relentless in attack against Manildra, who showed why they are a respected outfit.

The Tigeresses had a slim chance to snatch a draw with a Earsman cross kick after the bell but the ball alluded everyone to go dead in goal.

Manildra were also a little lucky with one of the tries that they scored, with plenty of speculation within the crowd that they may have knocked on the ball before it was put down.

While the match leaves the Rhinos in third at the end of the round, the result hasn't dented the Tigeresses' chances of making the top five, the team still three games clear in fifth spot.

Both Tigers teams will enjoy the bye this week, as they look towards their next clash, an away derby at Cargo Oval against the Blue Heelers.

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