Junee strengthened their first place on the ladder with a 5-1 win against Young.

Cooper said having supporters on the sideline made a difference during the game.

“The whole team would like to thank the supporters who made their way to Young in torrential conditions, their support is greatly welcomed,” Cooper said.

“Without those people, small clubs don’t exist.”

Junee made their way to Gus Smith Oval and the Jaguars handed Football Wagga newcomers – the Young Lions, their first loss on home ground.

Coach Cooper said the win was a boost for the team which had been delivering good, consistent football in the past few matches.

“To go up there in the conditions we had, and win at their home ground is a massive confidence booster,” Cooper said.

Cooper praised the performance of Wagga Wanderers player Jonny Mathers who created opportunities for the team to work with.

“He showed his class up front,” he said.

Mathers scored twice for Junee while Adrian Merrigan added a brace of his own from the wing.

Cooper said the experienced trio of Jason Mutimer, Scott Mutimer and Ray Jones were a highlight with Jason Mutimer scoring one goal.

With the finals now in sight, the coach warned there was no time for the team to ‘drop their bundle’. He said the Jaguars needed to continue building on their premiership momentum.

This weekend the team will play the Tolland Wolves in Wagga with Cooper warning it would be yet another test for Junee.

The Jaguars will be boosted with the expected return of Lachlan Bushby.

Meanwhile the Jaguars men’s reserve team had a bye while the third grade team lost to Henwood Park 4-2.

Junee 5 (Adrian Merrigan 2, Jonny Mathers 2, Jason Mutimer) d Young 1