Peter (Parra) Montgomery
This weekend’s match against premiers Young Cherrypickers at Greenfield Park looms as the most important clash of the season for Albury Thunder.
Thunder will be defending the Group 9 Challenge Cup, having claimed it for the first time last week with a 44-26 victory over Tumut Blues (49½–26 including the handicap), earning the attached $1,000 prize.
That first-grade triumph capped off a hugely successful Sponsors Day, with Thunder teams winning in all four grades — League Tag, Under 18s, Reserve Grade, and First Grade — a rare and fitting reward for the players’ dedication and commitment.
It’s no easy feat to turn up for training when the weather is cold and bleak, and the comfort of home beckons.
Yet showing up in those conditions demonstrates the commitment that often makes the difference between success and failure.
The League Tag and Under 18s wins were remarkable turnarounds from their first-round results.
The League Tag team prevailed 16-12 over third-placed Tumut, notching its third win in the past five games and reversing a 34-0 Round 1 defeat.
Tayla and Lilly Callaghan, along with captain Jesse Harris, are stepping up under the leadership of the experienced Gemma Blackhall, capitalizing on the scoring opportunities being created.
The team’s enjoyment of their success is clear in the way they are playing.
The Under 18 Weissel Cup side is in hot form, climbing to fifth on the ladder with three wins from its past four games.
Its only recent loss was a narrow 20-18 defeat to undefeated leaders Wagga Kangaroos.
The return from injury of talented fullback Nate Broekman has been a major boost.
Nate, an influential playmaker and reliable goal kicker, has tallied 46 points across the five games he has played this season.
The Weissel Cup squad features quality players improving with every match.
Eric Tui, Jack Harris, Jordan Ercegovic, Isaac Plunkett, Rob Kelson, Riley Ivanku, Luka Higoe, and Adrian Thapa have all shown excellent form.
Eric Tui, in particular, is a force in both attack and defence, playing at full tilt and proving almost unstoppable near the try line.
In Round 1, the Cherrypickers defeated Thunder 52-10.
This weekend’s game will reveal just how much Thunder has progressed this season.
Cherrypickers Bounce Back
Young’s attacking power was on full display last Sunday at Alfred Oval, where the Cherrypickers ran in fifteen tries in an 86-6 demolition of winless Wagga Brothers.
Star of the match was halfback Rob Roberts, who not only scored two tries but also slotted 13 of 15 goals for a personal tally of 34 points.
The clash between Roberts and Thunder’s livewire Oscar Kaufononga promises to be a highlight. Oscar has been a fantastic addition to Thunder, with his punishing defence and attacking skills making him a key asset.
Alongside Paul Karitiana in the halves, Oscar has been central to many of Thunder’s scoring opportunities.
Young will look to its powerful forward pack to control the game. Coach Tom Giles is particularly dangerous close to the line, boasting an impressive try-scoring rate in those situations.
Thunder’s defence will need to be vigilant whenever Giles has the tryline in sight.
Thunder will be without big prop Reece Clegg, who remains sidelined under concussion protocols following a heavy knock in the Round 8 draw with Temora.
Isaac Carpenter will step into the front row, with Jack Harris and Braeden Stephens named as replacement edge forwards.
Zac had his best game of the season last week against Tumut, while front-row partner Nathan Darby provided strong go-forward with his powerful leg drive.
Meanwhile, the Thunder’s undefeated Reserve Grade team will be chasing its eleventh straight win of the season in the curtain-raiser against Young.
Battlers For Bush Footy 