The Camden Rams have booked their place in the 2015 grand final where they will face either Picton Magpies or sudden death kings the Oaks Tigers.
For the injury plagued Narellan Jets the season ended yesterday when they were eliminated by the Tigers, who won the match 40-28.
The Rams beat the Magpies 38-30 in Picton after a gritty encounter in front of a solid crowd that included plenty who had made the trek over Razorback Mountain.
The Rams were made to earn their spot in the decider, reports MIKE SHEAN.
Second Rower Lee Russell opened the scoring for the visitors early on, before Picton centre Josh McIlvenny replied for the home side and scores were level at 6-6 after 10 minutes.
Scott Borg put the visitors back in front, after a nice solo try, but Russell bagged his double, as the Rams led 18-6 after 25 minutes.
Jason Thompson gave local fans something to cheer about shortly after, but the Rams were able to cross just before halftime through point scoring machine Chris Browne.
At half time the Rams led led 22-12.
The second half’s scoring pattern took a similar path to the first, with both sides trading tries.
Rory Vale and Browne, who bagged a double for the Rams, crossed, seeing the scoreline quickly change to 28-18 in favour of Camden.
Don Thompson and Dean Collis again traded tries as the sides looked to gain ascendancy in the match.
Camden always seemed to have the upper hand in proceedings, despite Picton’s efforts to restore some pride on the scoreboard.
Alex Canham scored late for the Rams to seal the win, before Jason Thompson’s second for the Magpies saw the scoreline finish at 38-30 in favour of Camden.
Camden captain/coach Scott Borg was delighted with the result, saying he was confident his side could handle the threats from Picton.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We have plenty of improvement in us ahead of the grand final,’’ Borg said after the match.[/social_quote]
“Soaking up defensive pressure for 80 minutes would be among those areas.’’
Picton co-coach Bryce Poisel said he was disappointed, especially with the lack of scoring pressure which was applied from his side during the afternoon.
At least the Magpies live to fight another day and maybe get another crack a Camden.
They will have to beat the in form Oaks Tigers at Dudley Chesham Oval in next weekend’s preliminary final.
The Tigers kept their fairytale season alive with a 40-28 win over Narellan on Sunday afternoon at Victoria Park.
Despite trailing early, and conceding several late consolation tries, the Tigers dominated large portions of the match, and the scoreline doesn’t reflect their dominance.
Narellan’s Hala Katoa opened the scoring for the Jets, but Tigers’ back Josh Vandermeulen replied shortly after to give their small band of supporters some early hope.
Regan Welsh restored the lead for the Jets, but only for Hamish Oxley to level the scores again, and with 13 minutes before halftime the scoreboard read 10-10.
The Tigers scored two quick tries in the last five minutes of the first half via Matt Vandermeulen and Brayden Goulding, the Tigers going to the halftime break leading 20-10.
The Brasington name was again on the scoresheet in multiple forms early in the second half, as captain/coach Mitchell and centre Michael scored, extending The Oaks lead tp 30-10 with 25 minutes remaining in the match.
Wilson Faanoi and Jermaine Haule added some respectability to the scoreline in the later stages of the match, as the Jets sought to mount a comeback of sorts, but the Tigers and the margin were too much to overcome.
The Tigers only scored one late try, while the Jets added a further couple late in the match to reduce the final margin to 12 points.
Tigers captain/coach Mitchell Brasington said he was pleased with the victory.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“This is our second sudden death football win in consecutive weeks, and we’re now one win away from playing in the grand final,’’ he said.[/social_quote]
“We’re quietly confident about our chances when we play Picton in the preliminary final.’’
RESULTS – First Grade
Camden Rams 38 Picton Magpies 30;
Narellan Jets 28 The Oaks Tigers 40
Reserve Grade – Camden Rams 22 Picton Magpies 10;
Narellan Jets 18 Oakdale Workers 20
Under 18 (1) – Campbelltown City 34 Camden Rams 26;
Thirlmere Roosters 32 Warragamba Wombats 12
Under 18 (2) – Mittagong Lions 42 The Oaks Tigers 14
Second Division – Narellan White Jets 22 Mt Annan Knights 24;
Bundanoon Highlanders 14 Robertson Spuddies 36.
Next Week – Preliminary Final (All Grades at Dudley Chesham Oval, The Oaks)
First Grade – Picton vs The Oaks;
Reserve Grade – Picton vs Oakdale;
Under 18 (1) – Camden vs Thirlmere;
Under 18 (2) – The Oaks vs Campbelltown City;
2nd Division – Narellan White vs Robertson
