Camden have progressed to a major semi final appointment with arch rivals Picton following a 34-18 win over the Thirlmere Roosters on Sunday afternoon at Crane Oval. MIKE SHEAN reports:
The Rams were the “home’’ side for the match, and the Camden boys showed their class against a Thirlmere outfit who were disappointing, especially after halftime.
The first half was a very even affair, with no points being scored for almost 20 minutes, as both sides wrestled with each other in a very high quality affair. Camden backrower Toby Huxley finally opened the scoring on 19 minutes, before centre Dean Collis, scored minutes later.
Unfortunately the former NRL star suffered a recurrence of a knee injury and was forced off before halftime.
Camden had sprung into life with a sudden 12-0 lead over Thirlmere, but the Roosters didn’t go back into their shell, with the Jones brothers, Scott and Matt, causing plenty of headaches for the Camden pack.
Thirlmere finally opened their account through winger BJ Ruttley, who has impressed many, with a treble on the day.
His first on 28 minutes, was a nice finishing effort, after work from Jacob Loko in setting up the four pointer.
Ruttley had his second four minutes before halftime, and although goalkicker Jake Mullaney was off with his conversion attempts, the Roosters were well in the contest.
Loko bagged himself a try on the stroke of halftime, and the sides headed to the dressing rooms level at 12-12.
The second half mirrored the first, with neither side being able to take control early after the resumption of play as the battle for territory and possession continued.
Camden winger Mahn Darley bagged a second half double, with his first, 13 minutes after the break, giving the Rams a lead they would not release for the remainder of the game.
Huxley scored his second minutes later, and the Rams were repeating their efforts in the first half, by skipping out to a lead, this time 10 points, at 22-12, with 24 minutes left.
However, Thirlmere weren’t able to mount a comeback, with Ruttley’s third try of the day the lone highlight for the Roosters.
Camden finished the stronger, and Darley’s second try, on the final siren, saw the Rams win 34-18 over the Roosters, who will need to regroup for next week’s Minor Semi Final.
Camden coach Scott Borg was pleased with the win, especially given his side has struggled with injuries all season long, including himself and brother Ryan, who will both miss the finals series.
Borg, speaking after the game to Group 6 League Live, said his side were consistently producing efforts based on determination and grit, instead of relying on classy players to win.
RESULTS – WEEK 1 FINALS
First Grade:
Narellan Jets 16 The Oaks Tigers 34;
Camden Rams 34 Thirlmere Roosters 18
Reserve Grade:
Narellan Jets 28 Camden Rams 36;
The Oaks Tigers 6 Campbelltown City 20
Under 18:
Narellan Jets 26 Mittagong Lions 28;
Thirlmere Roosters 26 Appin Dogs 16
League Tag:
Mt Annan Barbarians 10 The Oaks Tigers 6; Campbelltown City 20 Thirlmere Roosters 14
Second Division:
Narellan Jets 14 Moss Vale Dragons 32;
Appin Dogs 26 Warragamba Wombats 10
NEXT WEEK:
Saturday at Appin Sportsground [minor semi finals unless stated]:
12.15pm second division – Warragamba Wombats v Moss Vale Dragons;
2pm U18 – Appin Dogs v Mittagong Lions;
3.30pm League Tag – Thirlmere Roosters v Mt Annan Barbarians;
4.30pm reserve grade – The Oaks Tigers v Camden Rams;
6pm reserve grade major semi Picton Magpies v Campbelltown City.
Sunday at Dudley Chesham Oval, The Oaks [major semi finals unless stated]:
9am second division – Robertson Spuddies v Appin Dogs;
10.45am U18 – Camden Rams v Thirlmere Roosters;
12.15pm League Tag Camden Rams v Campbelltown City;
1.15 first grade minor semi final – Thirlmere Roosters v The Oaks Tigers;
3pm first grade – Picton Magpies v Camden Rams.
