ALBURY Thunder overcame a “patchy performance” to bring down Brothers 32-12 in their Group 9 rugby league match at Wagga’s Equex Centre yesterday.
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The reigning premier struggled to build momentum throughout the round two encounter and relied on individual brilliance from their marquee players to get them over the line.
While coach Josh Cale was pleased to rack up back-to-back wins, he said there was plenty to work on.
“It was patchy,” Cale said.
“We were good at different stages and then dropped off.
“It was a pretty ugly win but it was a win and you take them at this stage of the season.”
Brothers failed to capitalise on Joe Williams’ clever kicking game early with Tom Warner’s 23rd minute try the only highlight for the home team in the first half.
On the other hand, Thunder defied some sloppy play to lead 16-6 at the break on the back of the class of Willie Heta, Lou Goodwin and Ben Jeffery.
The floodgates opened soon after half-time with wingers Daniel Jacobs and Lachie Hampton scoring on the back of some good play from Goodwin, Jake Grace and Mitch Davis.
“We were lucky to be in front at half-time,” Cale said.
“I thought we were out-enthused and needed to have a chat at half-time to get our direction and shape right and even our attitude at times.
“We got better for a while but then dropped off again in the last 15 minutes.
“The main thing is that we got the win and came through unscathed.”
Thunder took the opportunity to give youngsters Josh Remington, Elijah Tipene, Rex Sargeant and Rhys Dawes plenty of game time with Remington in particular impressing.
Brothers lost hooker Lee Wetherill to a knee injury after 15 minutes and five-eighth Steve Morris before the game with a shoulder complaint.
In other matches, Cootamundra upset Southcity 28-18, Gundagai embarrassed Tumut 82-4, Temora edged out Tumbarumba 28-18 and Young took the points against Junee 30-26.