The Diesels’ 18-0 win moved them one step closer to securing third place and a second chance in the finals.

The win keeps them a point clear of Young, who they will play in the last round before the finals.

Junee, who had six players backing up from reserves grade and were without captain-coach Matt Hands, had plenty of opportunities to break the initial deadlock but couldn’t capitalise. 

Peter Little opened the scoring after 48 minutes off the back of three back-to-back sets, strolling past Scott Bowden to score and set Junee on the path to victory.

Stand-in skipper Trent Schubach was impressed with how his team responded to a lacklustre opening 40 minutes.

“A couple of unforced errors didn’t help us but we built a bit of pressure with a few line drop outs there but I am pretty happy with the boys,” Schubach said. “We defended well, keep them to nil for the whole game.

“A bit of muddy footy didn’t help our completions and we got the win in the end.”

After a loss against an undermanned Southcity line-up last week, Schubach thought an improved kicking game created more opportunities.

“Our kicking game was a lot better and our halves really controlled the game,” he said. “We got a lot of repeat sets, held them under pressure and the pressure to points.”

A penalty goal to Cameron Hands extended the lead before two tries in two minutes to Tom Brandon and Daniel Foley saw the final scoreline blow out.