The students were matching it with the Eagles – just as they did against another finals contender, Orange City, a week earlier – but at the hour mark CSU’s defence couldn’t keep the visitors out.

“We played really well for 60 minutes as a team then it came undone. The score doesn’t reflect how close it was,” CSU coach Scott Hatch said.

“It was to-and-fro. They’d score, then we’d score, then it would repeat. We were down 25-19 but then we started to miss a few one-on-one tackles and we let them get away.

“Cowra are a very good team, and we had a chance to play a team of similar ability last week against Orange City. They’re both playing for fifth spot. We got within a try of Orange City last week so I don’t think this result, 43-19, is an accurate representation of where we’re at as a team.

“I think the team is still very passionate every week, and we’re getting good numbers to training. We definitely don’t want to finish last, and the colts boys will have a lot to play for next week when they play Mudgee.”

The loss has sent the students back down to second last on the ladder after the Dubbo Rhinos knocked over the Parkes Boars 22-12, while the Eagles remain sixth following City’s victory against Mudgee.

It means Cowra must beat Dubbo Roos this weekend and rely on Orange City getting beat by Parkes Boars.

The facts the Boars were beat by Rhinos doesn’t bode well for the Eagles’ hopes, but coach Troy Hayes said he’s hoping the rugby gods are with Cowra this week.

CSU will have a great opportunity to take eighth spot back during their game against bottom-placed Mudgee Wombats in the final round, which will also take place at University Oval.

In the lower grades, the Eagles were beat 59-17 in second grade while the Colts side had to forfeit.

The girls were in action and defeated Bathurst Bulldogs 28-15. The result leaves the girls in second place and in a strong position ahead of the finals.

Ladder-

Women’s-