The two derby rivals played out a real crowd-pleaser, the visitors trailing 12-10 at the break before recording a 19-18 victory in the second division competition’s qualifying semi-final.

First half tries to Wayne Collett and Luke Coleman – the right boot of Mitch Gibson successfully converting both – ensured the Rhinos got off to an ideal start to lead 12-0.

But the Steve Lane-coached Cargo boys rallied, scoring through Steve Nean and Ethen Bereyne in the final 10 minutes of the first half to inch within two points of Manildra.

Cargo came out full of running after the break and hit the lead at the 50-minute mark thanks to a great try from Matt McLean, his own conversion shooting the Blue Heelers out to a 16-12 lead.

McLean then bumped his side’s advantage out to a converted try when he potted a penalty goal on the hour mark.

Heelers halfback Matt Fuller then pushed his side’s lead out to seven points after slotting a late field goal.

As he’s done so often before, Patty Gibson then rallied the Rhinos to help young-gun Cody Ramsey cross for the hosts, Mitch Gibson’s conversion taking the score to 19-18.

The Rhinos threatened late, but an intercept from the Cargo defence defused the hosts final raid.

The win propels Cargo to within a win of the 2017 grand final.

Lane’s side takes on the Boomers at Trundle in the major semi-final on Sunday, while the Rhinos play Peak Hill next Saturday at Grenfell in the second minor semi-final after the Roosters proved too good for the Goannas in the elimination semi at Eugowra on Saturday in a 40-16 result.

In the youth league elimination semi-final, Canowindra Tigers won a thriller 26-24 over Eugowra Golden Eagles while Manildra Rhinos, in the qualifying semi-final, defeated Condobolin 32-22.

In league tag, Manildra defeated Condobolin 30-6 to end the Rams’ season. While Eugowra defeated Cargo 6-0.