Leading 22-14 at half-time, the new-look outfit powered home in the second half to record a much-needed win.

It’s the first time the Cherrypickers have come out on top since enjoying a huge win over Tumbarumba to start the season.

Not far behind the competition leaders, sharing the points with Southcity and falling four points short of Junee so far this season, coach Luke Branighan thought the win was a step in the right direction.

“Brothers stuck it to us in the first half and we responded early in the second half to kick away,” Branighan said.

“We still need to improve if we are going to trouble the top teams.”

New recruit Isaac Maliota impressed in his first game for the club while Tui Samoa continues to stand out.

With some many last minute additions, Branighan expected the team to start the year slowly but believes they have the ability to cause havoc later in the season.

He’s looking for the defence to improve and while he’s still not happy with the attack, scoring 44 points in the win shows they have plenty of strike weapons.

Young has its best chance to defeat Albury on the border next Sunday, but Branighan isn’t reading too much into the Thunder’s form slump.

“They have won the last three comps,” he said.