Junee Diesels have recorded an 18 points to 4 victory over the Tumut Blues on Sunday, to extend their current winning streak to five while also claiming the Challenge Cup in the process.
In their final regular season game at Laurie Daley Oval, the Diesels with stood early pressure from the Blues to score their tenth win in 2026.
The 14-point victory also saw Junee overcome the 5.5-point start afforded to Tumut in the Challenge Cup, securing their first bit of silverware with potentially more to come.
Angus Williams opened the scoring for the Blues with an unconverted try after 20 minutes.
Junee replacement Quaider Kea stormed across adjacent to the posts soon afterwards to give the home side a lead they would not relinquish.
A Connor Garretty long ball coupled with a Cooper Wright flick pass in the closing stages of the first half sent winger Jack Walker over in the corner and the Diesels led 12-4 at the break.
The second half turned into a dour affair with neither team able to convert possession into points.
That was until the 70th minute of the match when Diesels hooker Eli Crozier split the Blues defence through the middle and found the ever-present Daniel Foley in support to score.
Diesels coach Damian Willis said although their wins have been far from picture perfect, the Diesels keep gaining momentum with their will to win.
“Even though our wins may not be a great watch at times, I’ll happily continue getting results like we have. Tumut turned up to play and the first 20 was tough going, and as much as we didn’t ice a lot of opportunities we had, cementing a double chance come finals time was very pleasing.”
Willis also mentioned it was some of the unheralded names that ensured the Diesels impressive streak of victories remained intact, as well as praising a likely suspect.
“Eli (Crozier) and Ryan (Crowder) were some of our best on the weekend. They tackled everything that moved. Dan Foley was again outstanding at the back also.”
As much as winning the Challenge Cup was
celebrated on the weekend, Willis said keeping the Cup in their possession was not a priority for Junee this coming weekend against Wagga Brothers, as they would be using the final round to fine-tune their game ahead of a first semi-final against either Temora or Gundagai.
“Winning it (the Cup) was a good reward for the boys, but we need to beat Brothers this weekend and head into the finals with some momentum. Brothers have had a tough couple of weeks lately, so the start will be key for us.”
This weekend’s matches against Brothers are at Geohex Stadium in Wagga, on Saturday.
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