YOUNG Albury Thunder winger Lachie Hampton scored a club record six tries as the reigning premier stormed to a 60-16 victory against Temora at Temora yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the scores locked at 16-all at half-time, Hampton and his teammates unleashed a devastating final 40 minutes to remain a game clear on top of the premiership table.
It was an impressive performance considering No. 1 playmaker Willie Heta was unavailable due to commitments in New Zealand.
He was replaced at five-eighth by Ben Jeffery with Daniel Jacobs moving to fullback and Hayden Sweeney to a wing.
Thunder coach Josh Cale said he was pleased with the way his charges responded when seriously challenged in tough conditions.
“It was really good to come in at half-time after playing like that and be able to turn it right around in the second-half,” Cale said.
“They had some slowing down tactics and things weren’t working for us at all.
“We just spoke about staying relaxed and sticking to our structures and when we did that the score blew right out.
“The boys were really good from that point.”
Hampton feasted on the dominance of Lou Goodwin, Jon Huggett, Joe Silafu and Chris Seaton with three of his six tries coming in the final 40 minutes when the floodgates opened.
Temora coach Michael Henderson pulled a surprise by playing at five-eighth in a bid to give the Dragons some direction and was clearly the home team’s best player.
Cale said Hampton made the most of his opportunities.
“Lachie did his job really well,” he said.
“He did everything right.
“You can’t ask for any more than that.”
In the surprise of the round, Young lost to Kangaroos 38-8.
Junee defeated Tumbarumba 34-16, Southcity buried Brothers 60-6 and Gundagai continued to build momentum by crushing Cootamundra 48-22.
Tumut had the bye.
