Albury Thunder win premiership after two heartbreaking defeats
Albury claimed their first Group 9 reserve grade premiership with a six-point victory, ending a run of two consecutive grand final losses.
Albury have finally broken through after losing grand finals in 2024 and last year. The emotional six-point victory against Temora came after a strong season.
Andrew Smith was named player of the match after playing all 70 minutes, with co-captain Aidan Young calling it a special feeling to reach the top. Early tries from Smith and Jordan Ercegovic gave Albury a 12-0 lead.
Temora fought back to cut the gap to six at half-time, but Albury's defence held firm in the second half. Noah Stead scored a crucial try in the 29th minute to stretch the lead to 18-6, and despite a late Temora try, Albury held on in the final moments.
- 2024 and last year
- Previous losses
- Six points
- Final score
- 29th minute
- Stead's try minute
- Temora
- Opponent
Why it mattersAfter two seasons of near-misses, Albury has proved they can deliver under pressure when it counts in a grand final.
AustraliaA major win for the Albury rugby league community and Group 9, ending two years of premiership heartbreak for the town.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 d ago
