A brace from Edward Price and tries to Liam Jones, Will Croker and James Croker helped the Dogs remain in second spot on the South Coast Monaro second division ladder.

With the away side leading 19 to 0 at half time, Dogs coach Bruce Nixon told his players to carry on and they did.

In the match that tied in with the Mudchooks' annual Ladies Day and charity match, Nixon felt it was their best performance of the season.

"We were looking to improve each week and that was our best effort," Nixon said.

"Our communication on the field was to a high standard.

"Everything we did like our attack and defence was done really well.

"We have now set ourselves a standard to which we can play to, which is good fun and very pleasing."

Things were rougher than nails in the first few weeks but they have come a long way.

"At the start of the season, we had 14 new players," Nixon said.

"Our problem was trying to get everyone to blend.

"It was a bit of a slow process, but the boys are a good group and work hard at training.

"They haven't given up."

The Dogs may be in dreamland at the moment, but they next travel to Taralga to avenge their 38 to 5 loss to the table-topping Tigers back in round three.

"Taralga have been absolutely outstanding and it will be up to us to see if we can match that," Nixon said.

"I'm more comfortable heading into the game than I would have been two weeks ago.

"The last time we played them, they were very smart.

"They scored a lot of points at the edge.

"We really have to stand up, especially defensively because they have been consistently scoring 50 to 60 points.

"We have to stop that."

The Tigers have yet to score less than 30 points in a match this season, which is a sign of how effectively they have found ways to score against all opposition.

This will be the toughest aspect of the game for Crookwell, and its biggest defensive challenge of the year.

While overtaking Taralga on the top of the ladder may be a bridge too far, the Dogs will be delighted if they can hold on to a top four spot.

Best and Fairest: Liam Jones (3), Riley Martin (2), James Croker (1)

Players' Player: Liam Jones

Chicks Pick: Liam Jones