Narellan and Mittagong played out an entertaining 16-16 draw at Crane Oval, in the second round of Group Six Rugby League. MIKE SHEAN reports:
A healthy crowd made their way to Narellan on a sunny Sunday afternoon to get their first taste of footy in the 2017 season.
And they weren’t disappointed: no fewer than eight tries were scored during the 80 minutes of football.
The fans were also witness to something you don’t see every day in a rugby league match: no goals.
The goal kickers from both sides must have left their boots at home because all eight attempts at goal failed.
The scoring opened after 11 minutes when Narellan’s captain Cameron Graham crossed, giving the home side a 4-0 lead.
Mittagong replied nine minutes later when winger Tim Townsend scored in the corner.
The conversion was unsuccessful, levelling the scores at 4-4, with neither side taking control of the match. Jake Ngaia, who was among the better players for Mittagong, and caused havoc all afternoon in the centres, bagged himself a much deserved try 11 minutes before halftime to give the visitors an 8-4 lead.
However, this lead wasn’t to last long.
Narellan’s impressive five eighth Shannon Crook scored five minutes later to restore parity on the scoreboard at 8-8.
And when Sol Kamuta scored a four pointer, the Jets went to the halftime break with a 12-8 lead.
Both sides would have been looking for a more polished performance in the second half, but that didn’t eventuate.
Coaches Shayne McMenemy and Dan Beardshaw would have been scratching their heads as they watched their charges serve more of the same in the last 40 minutes of the match.
The Lions drew first blood to level the scores 12-12 when Dylan Readman, who came on for an injured Aiden Menzies, bagged a try seven minutes in.
But the home side snatched the lead when Verb Moemoe scored after a nice finish down the Narellan touchline.
The Jets were leading 16-12 but the try feast wasn’t over just yet.
Mittagong’s PJ Thornton, who was a star in the back row, scored himself a much deserved and timely try for the Lions.
This levelled the scores at 16-16, but another wayward conversion attempt from Blake Jeffery meant the scores stayed level.
The Jets’ Sama Sauvao was sent to the sin bin with seven minutes left, but the Lions couldn’t take advantage of the extra man.
Both teams threw everything at each other in the final stages, but neither could break the deadlock.
“We were a bit rusty today coming in to this game with just one trial,’’ Narellan coach Shayne McMenemy told Group 6 League Live after the match.
“We’ll be working on our completions ahead of our next match against Campbelltown City,’’ he said.
Mittagong coach Dan Beardshaw admitted to similar issues after the match.
“Our completions were 50 percent in the first half, so we’ll be working on that ahead of our next game.’’
GROUP SIX ROUND 2 RESULTS:
First Grade
Camden Rams 34 The Oaks Tigers 6;
Oakdale Workers 32 Thirlmere Roosters 24;
Narellan Jets 16 Mittagong Lions 16.
Picton v Campbelltown City – deferred.
Reserve Grade
Camden 16 The Oaks 12;
Oakdale 12 Thirlmere 16;
Narellan 6 Mittagong 28.
Under 18
Camden 58 Moss Vale 10;
Mt Annan/The Oaks 28 Thirlmere 52;
Narellan 8 Mittagong 22.
League Tag
Camden 26 The Oaks 12;
Narellan 30 Mittagong 0;
Oakdale 4 Thirlmere 58.
Cup Comp
Narellan Jets 34 Oran Park Chargers 0.
*MIKE SHEAN calls the footy on Macarthur Sports Radio every weekend.
