Tallon Smith

The Junee Diesels have become the first team to take advantage of the new Group 9 Challenge Cup points start system in the opening round, utilising their +10.5 start in a 28-24 loss to South City at Harris Park.

In a fast-paced affair, the Bulls secured the all-important two competition points with the narrow four point victory, but it was the Diesels who secured the silverware and the $1000 prize.

The Diesels raced out to a 20-4 lead before the break after Nick Hogarth cleaned up an error in the in goal from the Bulls to score his second try of the day.

However, the Bulls regrouped at the break, running in four second half tries to one, to chase down the Diesels and win the match, though not doing enough to retain the Challenge Cup.

Fullback Travis Smith was immense for the Bulls, scoring two tries and kicking four from five goals, which ended up being the difference between the two sides, after both teams crossed the line five times.

Despite taking out the cup, Diesels Interim Coach Damian Willis was quite frank in his assessment of the opening round result.

“I’d definitely trade the cash for the two points,” he said. 

“Once again we played for 40 minutes in an 80 minute game.

“[We had] too many errors and penalties, [we were] undisciplined at times.”

As for their opposition, Willis said that the Bulls were just a little bit better in a game where both sides struggled with fatigue.

“The Bulls were good enough, [and I] thought fatigue was big factor in the game,” he said.

“Both teams [are] probably lucky everyone has the bye this week.”

As for the game ahead, Willis said he was looking forward to defending the Challenge Cup at home against Brothers and one of his great mates from his illustrious stint at Gundagai, Blake Dunn.

“Blake’s one of my great mates, he’s an intelligent footballer,” he said.

“Brothers will be ready to go Sunday week. 

“We will have a few players back next week, [and I’m] looking forward to the match up against my old mate Blake.”

Moving to other results, Albury and Tumut played out a thrilling 18-all draw at Twickenham on Saturday.

The first Group 9 game to air on BarTV didn’t disappoint, with both teams grabbing three tries in a tense encounter.

Gundagai opened their account at home with a 26-14 win over Josh McCrone’s Temora Dragons.

After a quiet off-season by their standards, Aaron Gorrell’s men impressed, securing what many considered an upset victory at home.

Kangaroos spoiled Cootamundra’s return to Group 9 with a 34-4 win at Les Boyd Oval.

With star half and Captain-Coach Nathan Rose back from injury, the Roos juggernaut fired, running in six tries to one in an emphatic reminder of their premiership credentials.

Finally, defending premiers Young were at their clinical best, handing Brothers a 54-6 defeat at Geohex Park.

After a few key losses over the off-season, Tom Giles’ men were at their best on Sunday, with their new recruits firing in a dominant display.

Round 2 action next Saturday sees Temora host South City at Nixon Park, Albury travel to Young, and Junee host Brothers in a Saturday Challenge Cup tie at Laurie Daley Oval, broadcast on BarTV.

Rounding out the weekend on Sunday are clashes between Cootamundra and Tumut at Les Boyd Oval, and a blockbuster between first round winners Gundagai and Roos at Anzac Park.