ALBURY Thunder narrowly missed the semi-finals at the Group 9 Nines at Junee's Laurie Daly Oval on Saturday.
Thunder defeated Leeton 20-8 and Tumut 16-4 before going down to Gundagai 20-0 to miss the top four on for and against.
Southcity defeated Temora 26-12 in the final.
It is the second success for the Bulls in the pre-season after winning a trial against Leeton last month.
"We've got a trial next week and want to back it up as then it's the long weekend and we've got the bye in the first week," coach Nathan Rose said.
"It is good to have another trial, get the cobwebs and rust out of everyone."
Latrell Siegwalt starred.
"Latrell Siegwalt was definitely a standout and while it was a team effort the Tracey boys (Brody and Joel) went well while the boys in the middle really stood up," Rose said.
Albury lost to Young 10-8, Brothers 8-4 and eventual winners Temora 20-0 in LeagueTag.
