Daniel Foley shapes to pass to his left. PHOTO: Junee Diesels Facebook.
The Junee Diesels found themselves on the wrong end of a late try, going down narrowly to the Albury Thunder 40-36.
The high-scoring affair saw the Diesels slow out of the blocks after scoring first, conceding a string of Albury tries which saw them at one point, trail by 14. The side used their attacking prowess to claw their way back, and even put their nose in front.
Unfortunately the game of rugby league can be cruel, and with just seconds to go Thunder back rower Hugh Duncan crashed over, making an already loud Albury crowd break the sound barrier.
President David Holt thought his side did well despite the result.
“It was an even contest between the two sides, mistakes were the difference, the boys played well; always in the contest,” Holt said.
“In the dying stages of the match they scored and we didn’t.
“Both sides scored a fair few points, it was an entertaining game of footy, unfortunately, this week we were on the wrong end of a close game.
“Jack Schubert in the second row just keeps getting better and better, he was a wrecking ball today running good lines all game and scored a deserved two tries.
“It’s always tough travelling to Albury, they grow an extra leg at home as opposed to away, so to give the performance we did, I think you’ve got to be happy with it.
“We’ve got Coota coming up after the bye, they’ve strung a couple of wins together now and seem to be playing a lot better footy. We’ve been in a similar position to them, trying to get back into Group 9 so it’s great to have them back in the comp.
“We’re not 100% sure if Ben (Shea) and Chase (Bernard) will be back for the game, but we’re optimistic they will be, regardless we will be expecting to play more good attacking footy, tighten down on defence and hopefully win the game.”
The Diesels are expected to soar up the ladder upon the arrival of Shea and Bernard, who recently won their grand final with the Albi Tigers in France. Already doing a great job under coaches Damian Willis and Daniel Foley. The added bulk and leadership of the two bustling forwards will be a massive addition for Junee.
Tully Potts SWST Sports Editor.