After downing premiers Leeton last week, the Steamers pushed the undefeated ladder leaders at Murrayfield before falling to a 39-29 loss.

Waratahs coach Richard Skellern was impressed by their rival’s performance.

“It was a tough game,” Skellern said.

“Albury are definitely finals contenders and are a good side.”

Waratahs led 24-17 at half-time and Skellern thought a few adjustments helped his side push on with their advantage.

“A few things turned our way and we played a bit tighter which was good,” he said.

“It was just a hard day and we struggled to hold onto the ball in patches.

“When we held the ball it was great, we put some points on, but to be honest they probably had the ball for half the game.”

Waratahs have been winning by big margins in most of their games so far this season.

However the tighter tussle was welcomed.

With the two general byes for representative games on the horizon, Skellern thought it was good to have another tough hit out.

George Paseka scored a try in his starting debut while Jake Eaglesham and Jock Munro also impressed in the forwards with Dan Selmes and Tim Corcoran strong in the back line.

The loss means Albury have slipped to fifth on percentage and will face another big test when they travel to tackle fourth-placed Ag College on June 23.

Meanwhile Waratahs will be preparing for a top of the table clash following Tumut’s win over Leeton.

Skellern on hoping to have most of his injured players back for the game.