By Peter (Parra) Montgomery

The depth in talent at the Albury Thunder is on show for all to see when you get to the weekend matches early.

You will get to witness the lower grade teams in action, and get to watch some incredible talent at present in the Club’s playing squad.

Take for instance, the performance of the Reserve Grade team on the weekend.

The side was minus a few stars like Jade Duroux, Keiran Ford, Bailey Muras, Reece Clegg, Joe Hill, Joshua Sharp, Rea Lafai, Jack Harris, Wayde Burfoot, Ty Tindalevale, Leith Wilson, Peni Kuruisova and Sam Paulo Faitasi…did I say a few stars?

That is a squad of players who would be a top four team in its own right.

Coach Andrew Smith has worked wonders with this team.

Crete Waaka at fullback has been inspirational, he is without a doubt the catalyst for much of the team’s attacking play and seems a ‘class above’.

Everything Crete does, he does it with style – whether it is running the ball back, or a heavy defensive hit.

Another who is absolutely ‘killing it’ is Brodie Ford who has been unstoppable as a running edge back.

The big fella has an amazing turn of pace – plus the ability to offload in traffic.

He scored a very good try against Young, and played a big part in the tries scored by Noah Stead – another player of outstanding potential.

The return of Bailey Young to the line-up on Sunday, added a new face to the attack.

His work at dummy half for the latter part of the match was sensational, and he lifted the tempo of the attack with his darts at the ruck.

It was a good effort to hold the Cherrypickers to nil, that aspect of the team’s performance must have been pleasing for coach Smith.

Group 9 Reserve Grade – Albury v Young scorecard

ALBURY THUNDER 40 (Noah Stead 2, Kitione Seruisavou 2, Brodie Ford, Bailey Young, Aidan Young tries, Aidan Young 4, Ioane Miti 2 goals) defeated YOUNG CHERRYPICKERS 0.