KANGAROOS snapped a horror five-year losing streak to send Albury’s Group Nine premiership defence into freefall at Equex Centre on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On the outer against the Thunder since May 16, 2010, Kangaroos ended their bleak streak with a memorable and courageous 16-12 win.
Roos captain-coach Adam Hall later described the three tries to two tries win as one of the high points of his career.
Hall said the stunning upset of the three-time Group Nine champion was built around a “great defensive effort”.
“We didn’t let up for 80 minutes,” Hall said.
“It was a great defensive effort and one of the best wins I’ve been associated with. I’m proud of every player.”
After leading 10-6 at half-time, Roos broke away with a 16-6 advantage when young star Eddie Lagaali scored a spectacular try in the 46th minute.
Roos time and time again defied Albury’s much-vaunted attack before replacement Thunder forward Chris Moseby crashed over a try in the 68th minute.
Coming barely two minutes after Roos fullback Jake Dooley was controversially denied a try by what appeared to be a blatant foul by an Albury player, Moseby’s effort set up a tense and thrilling countdown to the finish.
Ultimately, Roos remarkable scrambling defence withstood a series of challenges from Albury to eventually give the Wagga team its breakthrough success over the border giant.
In the process, Roos smashed cracks in Albury’s attempt to collect a fourth-straight Group Nine title.
For the first time since2011, the Thunder are struggling to an impact on the premiership and are desperately clinging to sixth spot on the table.
Big names in the Albury team were left shellshocked as young Roos players tackled themselves almost to a standstill.
Hall said later Roos were in dire straits for the last 15 minutes of the game.
“We had players struggling to stay on the field,” Hall said. “Injuries were almost crippling us.”
Lagaali and fullback Jake Dooley were both restricted with leg problems, but it didn’t stop either of them doing their utmost to thwart the Thunder.
Lagaali pulled off two try-saving tackles alone, while Dooley made one small mistake in an otherwise superb performance.
Likewise, props Warren Lloyd, John Arentz and Tyler Austin gave the Albury pack a hell of a time.
Roos were outstanding in a gripping first half, scoring two tries from scrum plays, while hooker Andrew Smith stood out for Albury, but the Thunder was a shadow the team that has won the past three premierships.
