Campbelltown City Kangaroos put on a brilliant display of second half attacking football yesterday to haul in a huge deficit to win 42-35 over the Oakdale Workers.
In an entertaining clash at Tony Norton Field, the visitors were first out of the blocks with scheming half Mick Stevens laying on two quick tries to establish a 12-0 and shock the heavily favoured locals.
Despite the home side hitting back and reducing the deficit to 12-10, Stevens ruled for most of the match and along the way showing why he is Group 6’s number one pivot.
A great solo try followed by Michael Stolk crashing over some feeble Kangaroo defence was iced by a field goal, to see the Oakdale boys out to a 23-10 halftime lead.
Some very pointed words by coach Liam Fulton had the City side fired up after halftime.
But when Oakdale scored first in the second stanza for a seemingly unassailable 29-10 lead, it looked like the upset was signed, sealed and delivered.
But rugby league is a funny game and from that moment one of the biggest comebacks in the history of the Kangaroos started taking shape.
A determined last play run try by Ihaia Kohunui was soon followed upon by tries to Josh Burke to set up a thrilling finish at 29-26.
However that man Mick Stevens was not done yet.
With City pressing the Workers line, a marvellous catch and counter attacking run by fullback Nick Thomas saw the Workers roll up the field.
Targeting tiring City forwards, Stevens weaved his way through to put Ryan Clarke over for a try.
That made it 35-26 to Workers with eight minutes to play.
But this clash had another twist in it.
A clever try to Steve Faoagali and sideline conversion by talisman rake Ryan Russell meant it was still game on at 35-32.
From the ensuing kickoff set, ‘Roos half Tiger Vatuvei picked up a 40-20 to have the blue and golds pressing for the game.
A few tackles later, stalwart Chris Williamson crash his way through a tired Workers line to score and put the home side ahead for the first time at 38-35.
The icing on the cake was a very well worked try by City halves Tiger Vatuvei and Jhy Karam, which gave the Kangaroos a 42-35 victory.
Best for Campbelltown were Joey Peato, Ihaia Kohunui, Steve Faoagali, Chris Williamson and Toa Asa.
A big test awaits Liam Fulton’s men this weekend when City travels to Camden to take on the old enemy and defending premiers, the Rams.
