The two sides only met a couple of weeks ago, with the Blues taking a 30-6 win at Laurie Daley Oval, however this time around the competition favourites battled to put a gap on their rivals.

Co-coach Lachlan Bristow admitted the side didn't rise to the same level that saw them become the only team to get the better of Southcity this season.

However he was still pleased to take a 44-26 victory.

"We turned over a lot of ball, couldn't complete after points and then in the second half nothing went our way," Bristow said.

"I don't know if they had tactics to put us off our game but they came out and were fairly grubby.

"They clawed it back a bit but we stayed tough to hold on."

Three converted tries to Ron Leapai, Tom Hickson and Josh Webb saw the Blues go out to a 22-6 lead before the Thunder stormed back into the contest.

They scored the next eight points before Jordan Anderson hit back to see Tumut go into half-time leading 28-14.

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A double to Robbie Byatt ensured the Thunder remained in the hunt, as they reduced the margin but to eight points twice before tries to Mitch Ivill and Brayden Draber ensured the Blues scored their five win of the season.

"We just seem to play down to teams to the lower teams and it's frustrating," Bristow said.

"We just kept turning up, just soldiered on as that is what we had to do.

"We took the bad stuff and ran with it."

Tumut have only lost the one game this season, to Kangaroos in round two, however their defence is something they are looking to improve.

They conceded 28 points in the win over Southcity last week and let in another four tries against the side sitting second last on the ladder.

"We leaked way too many points for the second week in a row," Bristow said.

"It is something we've spoken about especially as they scored a soft try up the middle, which was disappointing."

Tumut are looking to extend their strong start when they head to Temora on Saturday.

Bristow is looking to shake off a knee complaint despite finishing the game.

Meanwhile Albury will be out to score their second win over Brothers in three games.

The Thunder took a 40-12 win when the two teams met at Laurie Daley Oval last week while Brothers come in off the bye.