The Oaks Tigers had victory once again snatched from their hands at the last minute. MIKE SHEAN reports.
A determined and gritty Camden Rams outfit stole the win with seconds to go in the clash on Sunday.
Camden acting captain Chris Browne scored a long range try to secure the 28-24 win over the home side.
The Tigers have had two last minute losses inflicted on them in the last fortnight, despite controlling large portions of both matches.
But it was the Rams who started better in this match, played on a perfect winter’s afternoon.
Winger Josh Goulton crossed after just four minutes, thanks to a pinpoint kick from new signing Zac Greene.
Greene tried to repeat the dose on the Tigers’ left edge, but winger Mitchell Richards took the kick and ran the length of the field to score.
Michael Applebee strolled through some flimsy Tigers defence on the 23rd minute mark, giving the Rams a 10-6 lead, but Josh Vandermeulen replied soon after, giving The Oaks a 12-10 lead, which they held at halftime.
The Rams again started the stronger in the second half, with junior Andrew Horne crossing for a nice try from close range three minutes after the restart.
Zac Greene, who was impressive in his Camden debut, bagged himself a deserved try 10 minutes into the second half, giving the Rams a 22-12 lead, and it appeared as though they were destined for an upset win.
However the Tigers’ weren’t prepared to agree to those terms, and fought their way back into the match, with prop Ross Brown crashing over from close range to reduce the margin.
When fullback Matt Kay scored almost immediately after, the Tigers held a 24-22 lead, with 17 minutes left on the clock.
Camden continued to pepper The Oaks’ line, and forced several line drop outs.
But they were unable to pierce the Tigers defensive line.
As time started to run out, it appeared as though the Oaks would hold on for a tight win.
But in the final minute Alex Vincent split open the Tigers’ defence and found his captain and fullback in Browne, who outran the covering defence to score in the corner.
Camden coach Scott Borg would have been relieved with the result, but would know his side needs significant improvements if they want to be a real threat in finals football later this season.
Borg would have been happy with the effort of his forwards, especially Vincent, Aaron Sweeney, and Toby Huxley, who all tried hard and made good runs throughout the afternoon.
RESULTS: Round 12
Representative matches (Saturday)
Under 18 – Group Six 30 Woodbridge Cup 22
League Tag – Group Six 78 Woodbridge Cup 0
First Grade
Campbelltown City 20 Thirlmere Roosters 34;
Camden Rams 28 The Oaks Tigers 24;
Mittagong Lions 18 Oakdale Workers 4;
Picton Magpies 36 Narellan Jets 28.
Reserve Grade
Campbelltown City 68 Thirlmere 8;
Camden 16 The Oaks 20;
Mittagong 26 Oakdale 14;
Picton 22 Narellan 12
Under 18
Campbelltown City 6 Thirlmere 28;
Mittagong Lions 16 Appin Dogs 34;
Picton 4 Narellan 46
League Tag
Moss Vale Dragons 20 Mittagong Lions 6;
Campbelltown City 12 Thirlmere 12;
Camden 48 The Oaks 0
Second Division
Appin Dogs 24 Narellan Jets 12;
Moss Vale Dragons 34 Bargo Bunnies 22;
Mt Annan Knights 16 Warragamba Wombats 30;
Picton Magpies 12 Robertson Spuddies 22
Next Week – deferred Round 9 – Sunday, July 10, kick off 2.30pm.
Campbelltown Kangaroos v Picton Magpies at Fullwood Reserve;
Narellan Jets v Oakdale Workers at Narellan Sportsground;
Thirlmere Roosters v The Oaks Tigers at Thirlmere Sportsground.
