UPDATE: Junee has pulled off a stunning 26-16 victory against Temora, despite losing three key forwards to injuries within the first half at Nixon Park on Sunday. This crucial win keeps Junee’s finals hopes alive and halts Temora’s impressive six-game unbeaten streak.
In a dramatic start, co-coach Ben Shea and second rower Jack Schubert were sidelined within the opening ten minutes, followed shortly by front rower Jaydyn Hoeta, who suffered an ankle injury before halftime. Yet, the resilient Junee team showcased remarkable determination, overcoming these challenges to secure this vital win.
“This victory is significant in the context of our season,” Shea remarked. “It validates our improvement and demonstrates our hard work is paying off.” Junee managed to take a narrow 14-10 lead into the halftime break, showing grit against a formidable opponent.
Temora fought back with a try from Hamish Starr, momentarily taking the lead. However, Junee’s Sam Sainsbury responded with two crucial tries, sealing the deal for the Diesels. Despite having two less experienced players, Eli Crozier and Cooper Vanzanten, on the bench, Junee adapted their game plan on the fly, proving their depth and resolve.
Shea emphasized the extraordinary effort from his team, stating, “There was a lot of reshuffling, but we executed our game plan effectively, even when faced with adversity.”
While Junee celebrates this hard-fought victory, the team remains four points behind the top five, with Albury also vying for a finals position after a big win over Brothers. Looking ahead, Junee faces a challenging match against ladder leaders Kangaroos at Laurie Daley Oval this coming Saturday.
In a contrasting turn of events, Temora’s loss drops them to third place on the ladder, following a late try from Gundagai that edged out Tumut. With the Challenge Cup clash against Brothers approaching, Temora will aim to regroup and reclaim their momentum.
As the finals race heats up, both teams are set for critical matchups that could define their seasons. Fans are urged to stay tuned for updates as Junee fights to maintain their playoff aspirations and Temora seeks redemption.
