Thirlmere have staged a second half surge to overpower Campbelltown City 40-18 on Sunday afternoon in round four of Group Six rugby league.
The Roosters put the Kangaroos to the sword in the second half, scoring 30 points after the break to seal another victory and end City’s unbeaten record in season 2020.
City jumped out of the blocks to lead early in cool and blustery conditions at Fullwood Reserve, with Ben Stevanovic scoring the first City try from long range.
Vincent Leuluai scored for the Roosters, following a damaging run from Jacob Loko, putting the visitors on the scoreboard with halftime looming.
Daniel Roberts put the visitors in front just before halftime, after a steal from the No.6 saw him head a short distance to the tryline and give the Roosters a lead which they wouldn’t relinquish.
The second half belonged to the visitors, with Josh Bryant having a blinder, scoring three tries of his own, and being involved in backline movements throughout the afternoon.
Jacob Loko, returning from injury, didn’t play big minutes for the Roosters, but certainly had an impact on the match, with several damaging runs and a try to boot.
Justin Smith scored a nice try on the left-hand side of the field as the Roosters flexed their muscle and reminded the competition of their power.
City, to their credit, didn’t back down, and scored some nice tries throughout the afternoon, with Logan Muir scoring the final try of the day late in the match, giving the vocal home fans something to cheer about.
Thirlmere captain coach Jake Mullaney will be keen to get back on the field soon after a hamstring injury saw him miss the last two games, and will be desperate to play before the finals, which are now only two weeks away.
Campbelltown City captain coach Michael Stevens will be hoping his side can return to the winners list next weekend when they head to Sid Sharpe Oval for another vital meeting with Oakdale.
The Workers had the weekend off, and will be fresh for the meeting with City, as both fight for second position on the ladder in the shortened finals series in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere, The Oaks Tigers recorded a morale-boosting 44-16 win over the Lions at Mittagong Sportsground.
The Tigers will be looking to continue their good form next weekend when they host Thirlmere, which will be a good test before meeting Oakdale in the second battle of Burragorang to end the season in two weeks’ time.
RESULTS – FIRST GRADE
Mittagong Lions 16 The Oaks Tigers 44;
Campbelltown City 18 Thirlmere Roosters 40.
Oakdale Workers bye.
LADDER: Oakdale 8; Thirlmere, Campbelltown City 6; The Oaks 4; Mittagong 0.
RESERVE GRADE
Appin Dogs 34 The Oaks Tigers 12;
Campbelltown City 0 Thirlmere 28;
Mittagong 28 South West Goannas 14;
Oakdale Workers 14 Narellan Jets 30.
UNDER 18
Camden Rams 34 Narellan Jets 6;
Campbelltown City 12 Thirlmere 42;
Mittagong 6 Mt Annan Knights 18.
Appin bye.
WOMEN’S LEAGUE
Campbelltown City 0 Thirlmere 4.
Mittagong v Highlands Storm – TBA. Match suspended due to injury, likely to be replayed.
LEAGUE TAG
Camden 42 Narellan White 8;
City Blue 48 Thirlmere 0;
Mittagong 12 The Oaks 22;
Oakdale 22 Narellan Blue 6.
City Gold bye.
THIRD GRADE
Warragamba Wombats 56 Oran Park Chargers 10;
Highlands Storm 26 South West Goannas 12;
Camden Rams 8 Narellan Jets 20.
Mt Annan Knights bye.
NEXT WEEK – ROUND 5 – FIRST GRADE
The Oaks Tigers v Thirlmere Roosters;
Oakdale Workers v Campbelltown City Kangaroos
(Both Sunday, 3pm)
