Campbelltown Kangaroos make first grand final in 34 years

The Campbelltown City Kangaroos will play their first grand final in 34 years when they take on the Thirlmere Roosters this Saturday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

A gritty 32-30 victory over Picton Magpies on Sunday has propelled the historic club – it was formed in 1908 – to its first chance at premiership glory since 1983.

Club director Ales Melville said everyone at the Kangaroos deserved credit for the success of its flagship first grade side, which has been coached this season by Wests Tigers legend Liam Fulton.

“We have a hard working committee, a great football set up where in everything everyone does the club comes first,’’ Melville said.

“That’s been the biggest change here at the Kangaroos these past few years, putting the club first in everything we do.’’

The Kangaroos League Tag and reserve grade sides had successful seasons, despite losing their qualifying finals yesterday.

Melville said Liam Fulton, who is in his first year as senior coach, was ecstatic after yesterday’s historic win over perennial finalists and premiership winners Picton.

“He was just thrilled by the effort from the boys, who had to withstand a massive effort form Picton,’’ he said.

As MIKE SHEAN reports from the match, Campbelltown City shot out of the blocks to race to a big lead, but the Magpies hung on to take the match to the wire.

In front of a vocal crowd at Dudley Chesham Oval, The Oaks, Kangaroos centre Ihaia Kohonui was the first scorer after just three minutes.

Michael Lett, the veteran Picton captain, replied almost immediately, to level the scores.

City five-eighth Josh Burke scored four minutes later to restore their lead at 12-6.

An eight point try to City winger Joey Peato pushed the deficit to 16 and at that point it looked as though the Kangaroos would cruise to a grand final berth.

However, the Magpies weren’t done just yet.

With their vocal band of supporters giving them encouragement, they hit back when centre Josh McIlvenny scored 10 minutes before halftime, reducing the margin to 22-12.

The second half began with two penalty goals in favour of Campbelltown City, and they extended their lead to 26-12, with 30 minutes remaining.

The Kangaroos were daring to dream of that appearance at Campbelltown Stadium, but weren’t over the line yet.

Picton, as is their way, began their comeback through McIlvenny, who scored his second try of the day with a slashing run down the left-hand side of the field. Shortly after, Lett scored his second for the Magpies, and the comeback was on with the score at 26-24.

The clock was becoming a factor for the Magpies, with less than 20 minutes remaining, and the Kangaroos defending their line like their football lives depended on it.

Then, livewire replacement half Kiel Edwards scored for the Roos with 16 minutes left, giving them some breathing room, as they lead 32-24.

Bryce Hoskins, who steered the Magpies around the park all day with his halves partner Tim Dengate, scored with 11 minutes left, reducing the margin again to two points, and Picton seemed to have the momentum in the late stages of the match.

Campbelltown City’s desperation was evident for all to see, as they tackled anything that moved in black-and-white in the final 10 minutes.

As a result the Kangaroos are now just 80 minutes away from winning their first grand final in 34 years.

RESULTS – PRELIMINARY FINALS

FIRST GRADE Picton Magpies 30 Campbelltown City 32.

RESERVE GRADE Campbelltown City 12 Camden Rams 26.

UNDER 18 Thirlmere Roosters 40 Narellan Jets 4.

LEAGUE TAG Campbelltown City 10 Thirlmere Roosters 14.

SECOND DIVISION CUP Robertson Spuddies 16 Appin Dogs 20.

SECOND DIVISION SHIELD Oran Park Chargers 10 Robertson Spuddies 8.

♦ SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 GRAND FINALS AT CAMPBELLTOWN STADIUM

SECOND DIVISION SHIELD Bundanoon Highlanders v Oran Park Chargers (10.45am)

UNDER 18 Picton Magpies v Thirlmere Roosters (12.30pm)

LEAGUE TAG Narellan Jets v Thirlmere Roosters (2.15pm)

SECOND DIVISION CUP Narellan Jets v Appin Dogs (3.30pm)

RESERVE GRADE Mittagong Lions v Camden Rams (5.15pm)

FIRST GRADE Thirlmere Roosters v Campbelltown City (7pm).