Group 6 had to work hard to defeat Group 16 in their annual selection match on the weekend at Batemans Bay, reports MIKE SHEAN.
With several key players unavailable for selection, Group 6 sent a competitive, if not full strength side to Mackay Park, for what would prove to be a difficult evening against a stubborn and determined opponent.
The opening try of the match came 18 minutes in when Picton’s Josh McIlvenny crossed, following a nice run from Thirlmere’s Jacob Loco, to set up the first points. Loco was among several former NRL players who took part in the match, with Campbelltown City’s Ray Cashmere and Michael Weyman also involved.
All three players impressed during the match.
Cashmere crossed after 30 minutes off the back of a good run which set up the short ball for his close range try.
The visitors led 10-0 at halftime, but Group 16 were competing with their much more fancied opponents.
Oakdale’s Brad Hopkins scored four minutes after halftime, the result of a long range attack.
With Group 6 leading 16-0, many expected the game to be blown open, but this didn’t happen.
Group 16 halfback Jake Bower-Scott, who was among the better players for the locals, scored a try to give them some hope.
The second half was notable for a number of handling errors from both teams.
But the visitors scored two more tries to put the result beyond doubt.
McIlvenny scored his second try of the night when fullback Chris Browne make a nice run before kicking for the Picton winger.
With the final siren set to sound, Rory Vale scored, again with Browne setting up the try with another long run downfield.
The 28-6 scoreline did not reflect the closeness of the contest and Group 6 coach Russell Lewis admitted as much afterwards.
“Group 16 pushed us hard for large parts of the game, and made life difficult for us,’’ he said.
The Group Six Ladies League Tag side also played a triangular round robin series against Groups 7 and 16. Group 7 won their match 9-8, while Group 6 defeated Group 16 12-0 in their matches.
The Ladies acquitted themselves well, considering they have little experience compared to their counterparts.
The Greater Southern Stars side will be announced shortly, with the team to meet the Western Rams at Kirkham Park on Saturday, May 21 in the CRL Country Championships preliminary round fixture.
