[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ugby league returned with a bang in Macarthur when 104 Group 6 junior and senior matches were played in round one over the weekend.
Reigning premiers Campbelltown City Kangaroos were the only team sitting back as they had the benefit of a bye in round one.
New coach Isaac de Gois and his brains trust would have been particularly interested in the Group 6 CRL local derby between the Narellan Jets and perennial powerhouse Camden Rams.
The Kangaroos are scheduled to kick off their title defence next Sunday at Crane Oval against the Jets, who disposed of their neighbours 18-4 in an upset victory.
In other round one results, last year’s grand finalists Thirlmere Roosters pipped Picton Magpies 16-10, while The Oaks Tigers defeated Oakdale Workers 46-12.
Group 6 correspondent, MIKE SHEAN, of Macarthur Sports Radio, watched the Mittagong Lions roar against Moss Vale Dragons in winning 54-22.
Moss Vale Dragons, back in first grade after several years out of the competition, hosted the Lions in the local derby at Community Oval in front of large and vocal home crowd
The home side charged out of the gates, and scored the first try of the season after only a matter of minutes, with big front rower Francis Tuigamala crashing over to the delight of the vocal supporters.
Moss Vale doubled their lead minutes later when halfback Nathan Price scored, and the Dragons skipped out to a 12-0 lead with just eight minutes on the clock.
However, Mittagong, with coach Dan Beardshaw barking instructions from the sideline, worked their way back into the game off the back of structured possession and territory.
Centre Tim Townsend, who had a big day on the Lions’ right-hand side, scored the first of his three tries after 15 minutes.
Winger Hayden Wallace added his name to the scorer’s sheet on 24 minutes, just after his halfback Jake Isedale had scored a four pointer for the Lions.
Townsend completed his treble with tries in the 30th and 39h minutes, sending Mittagong to the rooms at halftime with a 26-12 lead.
Mittagong forward Adam Jeffery scored five minutes into the second half to extend the Lions’ lead.
Moss Vale replied through backrower Mikaera Ormsby, who worked hard all afternoon, and was rewarded with a try.
But Mittagong added another three tries in quick succession, with winger Daniel Donnelly, hooker Jake Merceica, and centre Regan Economos all scoring for the visitors.
Late tries were scored by Moss Vale fullback Shane Khouiss, who was lively all afternoon, and Mittagong replacement Ben Powell.
RESULTS First Grade
Thirlmere Roosters 16 Picton Magpies 10;
Narellan Jets 18 Camden Rams 4;
Moss Vale Dragons 22 Mittagong Lions 54;
Oakdale Workers 12 The Oaks Tigers 46.
RESERVE GRADE
Thirlmere 10 Picton 24;
Appin Dogs 20 Mittagong 36;
Narellan 14 Camden 20;
Oakdale 6 The Oaks 26;
Campbelltown City 38 Oran Park Chargers 6.
UNDER 18
Moss Vale 22 Mittagong 24
LEAGUE TAG
Narellan 8 Camden 0;
Campbelltown City 8 Oran Park 6;
Campbelltown City (2) 6 Picton 4;
Moss Vale 20 Mittagong 24;
Oakdale 14 The Oaks 24.
SECOND DIVISION
Bowral Blues 16 Bundanoon Highlanders 18;
Thirlmere 16 Picton 16;
Campbelltown City 20 Warragamba Wombats 38.
NEXT WEEK FIRST GRADE
The Oaks v Moss Vale (Sat 7.30pm);
Narellan v Campbelltown City
Camden v Thirlmere
Picton v Mittagong (all Sunday 2.30pm).
Macarthur Sports Radio will be covering the Camden v Thirlmere match, with coverage from 2pm on Sunday.
