After a hapless season last year, Tumut entered the field looking noticeably sharper in the opening minutes of the first half, but the Diesels quickly stamped their authority on the game.

In unexpected scorching hot conditions, Junee came out of the blocks flying with star captain Elise Smith opening the scoring.

After Tumut hit back with four points, the first half quickly turned into a try-for-try tussle, but the Diesels were able to maintain their lead through to half-time.

The Diesels’ dedicated pre-season training paid dividends in the second half with Junee’s high fitness level in the hot conditions a leading factor in the victory.

Kate Hands was instrumental in the Diesels defence, regularly forced to make two or three tags in a row to halt the Tumut attack.

Young gun Olivia Metcalfe was awarded the coaches’ award for her brilliance in attack.

Metcalfe worked well off the ruck, gaining plenty of yards down the paddock and guiding her

teammates into the holes in the Blues defence.

Smith was the standout player on the field, a class above in attack and defence.

Her long-range try was the play of the day, making easy work of the Tumut defence using her renowned step and blistering pace.

The Diesels have secured second spot on the ladder after the win over Tumut, proving they will be a force to be reckoned with as the competition heats up over the coming months.

Junee will meet Kangaroos at home in the second round of the competition on Sunday week, in what guarantees to be a close and entertaining affair.

Like the Diesels, Roos boast a team full of tough footballers and are built around their speed and agility.

The match promises to be a battle of pace.