A healthy-sized crowd turned up on a sunny day and seemed entertained as the two teams gave their all and produced an intriguing contest.

The result was probably a fair one after each team had turns at controlling the game, although it was notable that the visiting team scored five tries to four and missed four conversion attempts.

Several players showed their talent, with Gunnedah’s Jack Ross and Souths player Logan Mann named best-and-fairest. Bulldogs quartet Lachlan Lane, Jacob Long, Nick White and Jim Muller were also recognised for their contributions.

Gunnedah was on the back foot early as a clearing kick from the Rabbitohs took a drunken bounce, and induced a fumble from the Bulldogs.

Souths promptly shifted the ball right where Christian Zakher crossed for the opening try.

A forward pass from the Rabbitohs and a penalty to Gunnedah enabled the hosts to strike back, and Lachlan scrambled over the tryline before Hayden Baker’s conversion put the hosts in front.

The Bulldogs let themselves down with wayward handling, and the Rabbitohs regained the lead before James Kokkinos scored the visiting team's third try.

Souths led just 12-6 when the first of the three 20-minute periods expired, and Gunnedah had the better of the next stanza.

A big run from Hayden gave the Bulldogs good field position, before Lachlan barged over for his second try.

The Rabbitohs failed to take the chance to reply quickly, and then the Bulldogs profited from a few quick penalties as Jim crossed the tryline from close range.

The goal-kicking was crucial as Hayden’s third conversion ensured Gunnedah had a six-point lead.

When the Bulldogs spread the ball left, Jackson Carr found space and dived across the tryline to increase the score to 22-12.

Souths threatened Gunnedah’s tryline following back-to-back penalties, but the Bulldogs maintained their handy lead as the teams switched ends for the second time.

The Rabbitohs fumbled the kick-off before the Bulldogs lost the ball on the first tackle, and time ticked away before Logan showed his skills and rescued the Rabbitohs.

Logan took on Gunnedah’s defence from close range and reached to score in a tackle, with Souths finally having an easy goal-kick which bridged the margin to four points.

The Rabbitohs promptly made big metres, and Logan scored a similar try to his previous one although an angled conversion attempt hooked well wide.

The hosts had the chance to steal the game in the final minute, but a knock-on in the red zone ensured the score remained deadlocked.