The pair produced an epic physical battle with the home team posting a 30-4 win.

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"I think the score flattered Tumut in a way, they got 12 points in a short period of time in the first half," president Rick O'Connell said.

"There will be some very sore boys tomorrow (Monday) from both sides, they threw everything at each other and we made some errors that they capitalised on, they're a good side.

"You can't question the effort from our blokes, they tried their guts out."

Tumut started favourites, holding a three-point break over the visitors in the race for the double chance.

Last year's Canberra competition player of the year in Tom Warner opened the scoring after 11 minutes, but it was the quick tries to Jacob Toppin and Austin McDougall, with both converted, which took the match away from Thunder.

The fourth-placed outfit posted the first try in the second stanza to Curtly Jenkinson, but two more tries sealed the win.

"Our blokes are saying they're big, strong and physical across the park, they're probably bigger than us," O'Connell said.

That's saying something as Thunder has a big pack itself.

Back-rower Jon Huggett pushed through a power of work, while hooker Joe Lumb produced a typical wholehearted effort.

In the backline, Robbie Byatt handed in a rugged performance, while coach Adrian Purtell and fullback James Girdler also performed.

However, despite the loss, it was a strong team effort and augurs well for the Border outfit as it prepares to return to finals for the first time in three years.

Thunder needed a win to keep the pressure on the top three.

But Southcity's shock loss to Young 33-12 has allowed Thunder some breathing space.

The Bulls stay three points ahead with three rounds left, so Thunder will have to win all three and hope the grand finalists drop two games.

Thunder should fulfull its side with games against Cootamundra, Young and Wagga Kangaroos, although the middle game suddenly looks more difficult given the Cherrypickers stunning win over Southcity.

The first two games are at home, which will help against Young, which faces a three-hour road trip.

The Bulls have the 'Roos, ladder leaders Gundagai and Wagga Brothers and while they will start outsiders in the middle match, Thunder will also be hoping for an upset in the final round.

Thunder hasn't won a final since the 2014 title, which was the last of three straight.

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