Albury sent shockwaves through the Group Nine competition after overturning an early 18-point deficit to down Gundagai at Greenfield Park.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Thunder had a tough start to the season after big losses to Young and Southcity but after an improved effort last week against Temora went one better to knock off the premiers on Saturday.
Gundagai bounced out to an 18-0 lead after 27 minutes, but Albury weren't to be deterred.
Centre Robbie Byatt was thrilled with the mettle the team showed to not only get themselves back into the contest but ultimately take their first win of the season.
"There were a couple of charge downs and they got lucky with their first couple of tries so we knew we were still in it," Byatt said.
"We ended up running them off their feet.
"We've had a rough start and while last week we weren't too bad and we've had a lot of injuries that haven't helped.
"The team we picked we knew would be competitive and the boys showed a lot of toughness.
"That is what it came down to.
"Everyone stood up and realised we can win."
READ MORE
After Gundagai raced out to an early advantage, Jeremy Wiscombe responded leading into half-time to give the Thunder some momentum.
They capitalised on it with Blake Grounds scoring early in the second half.
New halfback Mason Fuller then got Albury within four points midway through the second half before a try to Curtly Jenkinson put the Thunder in front with seven minutes to play.
Byatt hopes the 22-18 win will be the turning point of their season.
Harry Reicher and Fuller were part of a new-look halves combination
Jeremy Wiscombe also had plenty of impact after coming on the bench and into hooker.
"We had a bit of a change of team this week and everyone stood up for each other," Byatt said.
"We knew we were down by a bit but weren't stressed at all.
"We thought we might run over them at the end if we kept doing what we were doing and stuck to our game plan."
Jon Huggett was also strong through the forward pack.
The loss extends a lacklustre start to the season for Gundagai.
They were well beaten by Tumut in the grand final rematch to start the season before overcoming Temora.
Coming off the bye, the Tigers struggled to play out the contest.
With a general bye on the horizon they have more time to regroup ahead of a clash with Brothers on May 16.
Meanwhile Albury will be looking to add to their giant killing up against Tumut at Laurie Daley Oval.
Courtney Rees
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
