Tumut remain unbeaten to start the Group Nine season but are far from the side who scored a comprehensive win in last year's grand final.
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The Blues held on to down Kangaroos 24-18 at Equex Centre on Saturday but failed to keep up an impressive start.
Scoring twice in the first 10 minutes after schoolboy errors from their rivals, Tumut struggled to maintain the pressure.
Co-coach Dean Bristow was far from pleased
"We capitulated and came down to their level," Bristow said.
"A couple of fortuitous tries off kicks kept them in the game and we had a lot of opportunities.
"To be honest we had three tries disallowed that were 100 per cent tries and it changed the momentum a little bit."
Bristow was just pleased to take the two points back to the hills after a draw to start the season.
He believes it will be a learning experience for the side.
"I think we've proved that when we do things well we are a much better footy side than that," Bristow said.
"That is probably the most frustrating thing about it - I felt as those we were a miles better footy team than what we displayed."
Matt Richards wound back the clock crossing for a double in just his second grade of first grade in seven years while another new face in the Blues Tavita Tolo Aroha also crossed early.
All three of their tryscorers from last week, Austin McDougall (unavailable), Connor Massen (head knock) and Brayden Draber (hamstring), were unable to take their place so the new face was a welcome addition.
"Tevita in his first game for us was very solid," Bristow said.
"He will only be better for the run."
The outside back is another who links with the club through a connection with Jed Pearce.
He was almost on board earlier in the build up to the delayed season before finally committing.
"We made him over the line during the break but it all sort of fell through but Jeddy twisted his arm a little bit this week and he jumped on board for us. It's good with a couple of injuries."
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