In a vastly improved performance on the opening two rounds, Thunder were rock solid from start to finish as they ran in six tries to three.

Purtell opened the scoring in the 14^th minute and, along with English recruit Brad Hill and youngster Reece Clegg, applied relentless pressure to the final whistle.

The former NRL player said it was a huge thrill to lead the side to its first win of the season.

“It was a really good effort by the boys,” Purtell said.

“I didn’t think we were that far off in the first two games so it was great to get there this week.

“Our effort has been OK, but we’ve just been letting ourselves down with the execution.

“I think we only made two errors in the first half today.”

Purtell’s try was followed up by a double to winger Keanu Wighton before Junee struck back through Joel Kelly to cut the deficit to 12-6.

Clegg then scored his first try in the top grade to give Thunder all the momentum going into half-time at 18-6.

The second-gamer turned plenty of heads with his work rate with Purtell singling him out for praise after the match.

“I thought he was really good,” Purtell said.

“He’s keen to learn and improve and isn’t afraid to get involved.

“He showed good signs.”

Junee struck back in the 49^th minute when Trent Schubach converted his own try but the revival was shortlived as Jon Huggett crossed minutes later following a superb pass from Purtell.

It was fitting that Hill scored the final try of the match after turning in another huge performance for Thunder.

Star recruit Joel Monaghan played at fullback and was a serviceable performer.

The win was marred by injuries to talented playmaker Robbie Byatt (knee) and forward Josh Remington (shoulder).

They came off early during the second-half and look set to spent at least a couple of games on the sidelines.

Thunder take on the all-conquering Southcity next weekend with the Bulls thrashing Cootamundra 48-6 on Saturday.

“They will be tough,” Purtell said.

“We will enjoy this win and then start preparing for Southcity.”