The Tigers overcame a mounting injury toll, with five key players missing for the final, to extract some grand final revenge in the early rematch against Southcity.

The Bulls scored first but the Tigers weren’t to be denied as they ran out 16-4 winners at Ron Crowe Oval.

With regular halves partners, James Smart and Chris Rose, watching on from the sidelines, Tyron Gorman stood tall when his team needed him most.

Not only did he score the last two tries, but led his team around the park creating opportunities for those around him.

Gorman pocketed an extra $400 after being adjudged man of the match and Smart couldn’t have been more impressed with his performance.

Smart and reigning Weissel Medal winner Brett Eccleston both missed the tournament with injury before the Tigers lost Rose and new recruit Luke Berkrey on the opening night before front rower Vinny Brown hurt his ankle in the semi-final.

Smart believes the effort will be a big confidence booster.

“I know it is February and a pre-season knockout but it is more than just winning a game of footy,” he said.

“What that does for the confidence of the group, it is hard to say.

“When you are in those type of wins, when your back is to the wall and you keep turning up for your mate, that is what builds character in your footy club.”

Group Nine clubs dominated the competition.

Only Kangaroos failed to progress to the quarter-finals and there were two all Group Nine semi-finals.

After being held to a 12-all draw by Leeton on Friday night, Gundagai progressed to the semis with a 16-10 over Canberra club Woden Valley.

Gundagai then scored a 10-4 win over Albury, who got past Group 20 club Yenda 10-6 in its quarter-final, to book another showdown with Southcity.

On the other side of the draw, the Bulls came through the quarter-finals with a 7-6 win over Young to face cross-town rivals Brothers.

Brothers had earlier scored a 16-6 win over Temora but fell 12-6 in the semi-final.

The Bulls, who had injury concerns of their own, came into the competition without star five-eighth Nathan Rose and lost representative halfback Kyle McCarthy.

Despite losing the final, Southcity captain-coach Nick Skinner was happy with how his young team performed.

“It’s been a pretty positive couple of days,” Skinner said.

“I was happy with how the boys went, obviously it didn’t go our way in the final, but I thought everyone had a good crack and showed up for each other. Some of the young guys who came in did a really good job.”