The Thunder looked to have found form at the right time of the year with wins over the Diesels, Gundagai and Young in the past three weeks but struggled to create inroads in the Group Nine minor semi-final.

At the same ground three weeks ago they stormed past Junee for a 34-18 win but could only manage one late try in the rematch.

With the captain-coach moving on next season, the Thunder had a perfect change to continue their charge against a team missing its best player but failed to do so.

Jeffery thought Junee’s defensive pressure was his team’s undoing.

“We were just outplayed,” Jeffery said.

“It is that simple.

“They played good footy and their defence was top notch.

“We hit their line and at the start of the second half we would have had six or sevens sets and they held us out everytime.

“Credit to them and I think if they can defend like that next week they will be hard to beat.”

Albury had ample opportunities to score in both halves of the clash bit Junee kept providing the answers.

After starring last week to keep their season alive, Jeffery couldn’t maintain the same level as his teammates struggled to get on top.

“They (Junee) just kept turning up, kept shutting it down and their line speed and energy off that line,” Jeffery said.