It was a far more complete performance from the Tricolours, who struggled for continuity against West Wyalong last week, however errors in defence and missed opportunities hurt the home side.

An early Matt Berkery penalty opened the scoring, however sustained set piece pressure from the visitors and a string of missed tackles saw the Tuskers flyhalf dot down from 35 metres out, handing Temora a 5-3 lead after the conversion hit the uprights.

The Tricolours struck back in the 15^th minute courtesy of another Berkery penalty, but it took a try-saving tackle from winger Dom Trinder only minutes later to maintain their slender 6-5 lead. 

Undettered, the Tuskers retained possession and took full advantage from a 5m lineout in the 20^th minute, scoring out wide to set a four-point buffer.

Kickoff errors, dropped ball and a lack of attacking structure continued to plague the Tricolours, who conceded another try before halftime to head into the main break trailing 17-6.

Halftime substitutions and a few key positional changes paid early dividends in the second stanza after a turnover in broken play saw Lachie Williams finish with a fine try in the right corner, Berkery’s conversion pegging the margin back to four points.

The try sparked a wave of confidence in the home side and it wasn’t long before a Sam Gemmell grubber found a flying Dom Trinder, who barrelled over in the corner to reclaim the lead.

Berkery’s conversion made took it to 20-17, however the lead was shortlived after the Tuskers hit back with a double of their own to shoot out to a 31-20 advantage with 20 minutes remaining.

A try to “Shades” Grey in the left corner gave the home side a glimmer of hope before Rob Lindon crashed over in the dying stages to set up a thrilling 36-32 scoreline with three minutes on the clock.  

The Tricolours has a final chance to steal the win after Berkery’s boot landed them a 5m attacking lineout, however a heartbreaking set-piece error saw the referee blow full-time and hand the Tuskers a famous victory.

Tricolours captain Josh Hudson said a quiet first half and lack of attacking direction crippled their chances.

“We were punished for our mistakes and our one-out runners,” Hudson said.

“They capitalised on those errors and I just think our reaction time wasn’t good enough today.” 

Hudson said there would be an emphasis on working as a unit at training ahead of next week’s home game against Harden. 

Players’ player went to Dom Trinder whilst Charlie Booth and Rob Lindon drew praise for their strong performances.