Dave Stuart was delighted with the Rhinos, describing the gutsy win as their best performance of the season, while CSU’s Pip McIntosh blasted his side’s attitude and accused the students of lacking desire.

After leading 13-0 in the first half, the Bathurst side had their chance to win it at the bell after working their way well downfield. But an attempted field goal from fullback Cam Backhouse, who was otherwise outstanding, went well to the left.

“I’m just proud of the boys,” Stuart said after the win.

“That was probably the best 80 minutes we’ve put in all year, especially on a dry track, we were a bit worried but the backs stood up in defence today.”

The students dominated early on but were their own worst enemies at times and went in to the sheds leading by only three.

Those failed chances came back to haunt them as Chris Hobson’s penalty with seven minutes remaining sealed the Rhinos’ second consecutive win.

“We bombed three of four clear chances for tries in the first half and the game would have been over and even at end, where was our patience?” McIntosh said.

“We drove it and drove it and we could have driven it over but we took a field goal attempt. Why do that? I don’t understand.”

After trailing 13-0 after 30 minutes, The Rhinos suffered further when Jordan Davis’ knee was briefly dislocated and he exited the match and didn’t return.

A Hobson penalty and a well-worked try to Dom Duncan got Dubbo back in the match but Jack Keppell kicked a penalty early in the second half to extend his side’s lead to 16-10.

Fourteen minutes later the game was alive again when electric Rhinos fullback Ricky Weatherall scored but Hobson’s attempt from the sideline went well wide.

The home side attacked further and were rewarded with a penalty 40m out from the posts and Hobson made no mistake.

The students fought right to the end but Backhouse couldn't connect properly right in front from 25m out as the Rhinos boosted their chances of avoiding the spoon in 2016.

“It was a tight game and they played bloody well and at the end I thought we were going to get dashed but I’m glad we’ve got two wins in a row now,” Stuart said.

“It’s all looking good and hopefully we can be a bit of a pain for some of these top teams.”

DUBBO RHINOS 18 (Dom Duncan, Ricky Weatherall tries; Chris Hobson goal, 2 penalties) defeated CSU BATHURST 16 (Williams Sears, Chad Ashton tries; Jack Keppell penalty, field goal)