John Barfoot and Jason Cawthray were the first on the board for the home side, both wining their matchplay contests with five holes still to play.

Simon Hoppe put Thurgoona further ahead winning 3 and 2, Greg Daniel 3 and 1, while Liam Gransden in his first start for Thurgoona won 2 up.

Scratch pennant captain Hoppe believes they have the team to beat the defending title holders next week.

“I think our boys are playing well enough to test Albury but they are the real deal, with a very strong squad,” he said.

“We’d like to think that there is some sort of home course advantage but they all play here often enough to know what to do here and the course is in great nick at the moment so there are no complaints there.

“There is a great rivalry between the two clubs and that was added to last year when they beat us in the final at Corowa.”

Hoppe was full of praise for the play of Barfoot and Cawthray.

“Today they were outstanding,” he said.

Mark Chappell and Kieran MacNamara were the only winners for the visitors.