The Tigers have now moved into the top two when beating Wauchope 20-10 in clash at the Wingham Sporting Complex. This gives Wingham a one point advantage of the now third placed Blues.

Sullivan said the challenge is to stay there, or even better, go to number one.

After the opening fortnight of the season the Tigers hadn't won a game. Now they've won seven straight.

"I always believe in country comps you have to finish in the top two,'' Sullivan said.

"We've put ourselves in that position now and we can't let it slip.''

He said the win over Wauchope was the result of good, tough footy against a worthy opponent.

"Wauchope's a well-drilled side and they stuck it to us, hung in and finished on top of us,'' Sullivan said.

"I thought they were really good - they were better here today than they were up at Wauchope in the first round. (Wauchope won that game 29-28).

"I think they're the best we've played. They're fit, hit hard and I was impressed with what they had.

"They put us in the grind and that made us do the little things good to get the win.''

Sullivan said before the encounter the clash with Wauchope was the start of a crucial block of three matches the Tigers face.

"That was an important win. Now we need to beat Port (City) away next week,'' he pointed out.

"We've had the luxury of being at home the last couple of games. So we're back on the road next game and then home for a really important game against Macleay.

Of the day's top performers Sullivan said hooker Mitch Collins was 'excellent in the middle.

"It was a quick game and our middle all did really well,'' he added.

"Brodie Myer was impressive on the wing, he just does everything right and I thought (centre) Kurt Lewis was really strong even though he played injured.

"But everyone did their job. It was a team effort.''