Diesels coach Trent Schubach is hoping an improved second half performance against Tumut can build into better results.
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An undermanned Junee outfit suffered a 36-18 loss to the Blues at Twickenham on Sunday, but they did outscore the third-placed side in the second half.
With injury, illness, unavailability and players simply not turning wreaked havoc on the side and it showed in the first half.
With a number of players backing up from a loss in reserve grade, Junee let in four unanswered tries in the first half to trail 24-0 at the break.
However they responded early in the second half as Tristan Dickson went over after a lovely ball from a scrum move.
The Diesels got within 12 points when Schubach scored from a soccered effort with 24 minutes to go.
Just when an unlikely comeback was gaining momentum, Tumut responded as Austin McDougall completed his hat-trick.
The try off a kick put the game out of reach but Tyler Sutherland scored a consolation effort late to ensure the Diesels outscored their rivals in the final 40 minutes.
It was one thing that pleased Schubach.
"We only had 10 first graders and seven changes from last week's team hurt," Schubach said.
"We lost two centres, two wingers, a half and had to change everyone around in the middle.
"The first half didn't reflect our effort, we were going set-for-set with them, but a couple of breakaway tries and a one-on-one strip made it 24-0 but we won that second half."
Schubach was proud of the effort from those backing up from a full game in reserve grade, which was a surprise 28-24 result against the formerly winless team.
The loss saw the Diesels slip to eighth on the ladder, two wins and percentage behind fifth-placed Brothers.
With a clash against fourth-placed Albury at Laurie Daley Oval on Sunday, Schubach is looking to turn things around quickly.
However he knows the side is in for a challenge after the Thunder downed Gundagai last month.
"It's another tough game and hopefully we can get a couple back," Schubach said.
"It's a massive test and being undermanned has been the story of our season."
Injuries are also a big problem, something that has dogged the first-year coach since taking over the reins this season.
To make things worse Hayden Diggins injured his ankle in the loss and will join Dakota Ruta on the sidelines.
Daniel Foley, Rusiate Kaliseiwaqa, Jarom Vakarewakobau, Chris Lewis, Richie Herangi and Simione Naiduki all are in doubt for the clash while Will Merritt was a no show last week.
Albury hit back from a surprise loss to Brothers with a 26-12 win over Temora and will be looking to continue their push for a top three position with another victory.