By Peter (Parra) Montgomery

Albury Thunder fell just short of retaining the Group 9 Challenge Cup, missing out by the equivalent of a converted try, despite a commanding 66-10 win over Wagga Brothers at Geohex Park, Wagga, on Saturday.

Under the Challenge Cup’s handicap system, the Thunder gave the winless Brothers a 60.5-point head start.

Ultimately, the 56-point margin of victory wasn’t enough to secure the Cup, falling 5.5 points short.

The Thunder crossed for 14 tries in a dominant display but were let down by inaccurate goal-kicking, converting just five of their attempts despite using three different kickers.

Regular goal kicker Lachlan Hampton was a late withdrawal from the side, and his replacement, Sebastian Nelson, could only manage four goals from ten attempts.

Vili Cerei added one from three, while Bailey Young was unsuccessful with his only shot.

Thunder were stunned early by a spirited start from Brothers, who raced to a 10-0 lead after scoring two tries in the opening 15 minutes.

Backed by a determined defensive effort, the hosts put early pressure on a reshuffled Thunder line-up still working on new combinations.

Led strongly by props Nathan Darby and Braeden Stephens, along with hooker Blake Grounds, the Thunder forwards began to swing the momentum.

Grounds got Albury on the scoreboard with a trademark ‘show and go’ try, followed soon after by a powerful effort from Brodie Ford, who barged over using sheer strength.

It wasn’t until the 30th minute that the Thunder finally clicked into gear and took control.

Further tries to Grounds and winger Milton Amaiu saw the visitors head into the sheds with a 24-10 halftime lead.

To retain the Cup, the Thunder needed to score another 47 unanswered points in the second half—a tall order, but one they approached with attacking intent.

In the process, the side unearthed a potential star in winger Kitione Seruisavou.

Displaying a mix of pace, strength, and evasive skill, Seruisavou scored four second-half tries—adding to the two he scored earlier in the day in the Reserve Grade win.

Based on current form, he’s making a strong case for permanent First Grade selection.

Filling in at fullback for injured captain Lachie Munro, Vili Cerei was a constant attacking threat.

He combined effectively with halves Osika Kaufononga and Paul Kariatiana, while lock Clayton Couley once again put in a tireless shift.

Thunder’s young guns—Eric Tui, Jack Harris, and Noah Stead—also impressed, each scoring a try and showcasing the enthusiasm and talent emerging within the squad.

Best for Thunder: Osika Kaufononga, Vili Cerei, Blake Grounds, Kitione Seruisavou

Best for Brothers: Mitch Carter, Mitch Dunn, Patrick Sagagi

Scoreline:
ALBURY THUNDER 66 (Kitione Seruisavou 4, Blake Grounds 2, Brodie Ford 2, Milton Amaiu, Osika Kaufononga, Jack Harris, Noah Stead, Eric Tui, Braeden Stephens tries; Sebastian Nelson 4, Vili Cerei 1 goals) defeated WAGGA BROTHERS 10 (Zac Leary, Joel Tracey tries; Dominyc Schiro-Cook goal)