Leading into the match with the Mittagong Lions on Sunday everything pointed to victory for the home side, the Campbelltown City Kangaroos.
They were playing at home and a win would have catapulted them into top spot on the ladder.
City had also beaten the Lions at home in round one.
But as it turned out, Mittagong – who obviously hadn’t read the script – claimed the Corkery-Andrews Cup after a hard fought 26-18 win over their hosts at Fullwood Reserve.
MIKE SHEAN, who called the match on Macarthur Sports Radio, reports on how City, on home turf on a perfect winter Sunday afternoon, blew a golden chance to take the competition by the scruff of the neck.
It was an all action start to the match, with young half Kiel Edwards scoring for City after just seven minutes, but Mittagong didn’t waste much time in replying in kind.
Not only that, the Lions scored two tries in six minutes to lead at 10-6.
The Kangaroos managed to hold pace with the Lions for much of the first half, as both sides settled into a tough style of football.
This was a crucial match, with both sides knowing the two premiership points at stake could decide their finals hopes.
As the halftime siren approached, Campbelltown City centre Josh Burke, who returned to the side after injury, managed to get over the line to give the Roos’ fans something to cheer about.
Jett Karam then added the extras from near the sideline, to give City a 12-10 lead at the break.
Mittagong opened the scoring five minutes after halftime, but Campbelltown City winger Steve Faoagali, who was damaging off his wing, scored a nice solo try to give City the lead once again, with 29 minutes remaining.
Both sides again settled in the rhythm of the match, with points coming at a premium in the second half.
Handling was an issue for both sides, especially in key areas of the field.
Mittagong’s Tom Connick, who was a star at five eighth, and won the Player’s Player award after the game, sealed the win with two tries in a six minute period.
The Lions were able to hold on for a 26-18 win over City.
Campbelltown City coach Liam Fulton was frustrated after the game, and admitted his side blew a golden chance to take top position on the ladder.
Fulton knows his side needs to bounce back when they host Picton on Saturday evening in the annual Ron Kain Memorial Shield match at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
♦ Across to the other side of the Macarthur region, Thirlmere continued their climb into the Group 6 Rugby League top five after a 36-18 win over Picton in the Wollondilly derby on Saturday night.
The Roosters came out with intent in the local derby in front of a vocal and large home crowd.
Thirlmere scored five tries over a 24 minute period, to effectively put the game to bed.
RESULTS – first grade
Thirlmere Roosters 34 Picton Magpies 16;
Oakdale Workers 16 The Oaks Tigers 44;
Narellan Jets 20 Camden Rams 30;
Campbelltown City 18 Mittagong Lions 26.
Ladder
Picton 12; Campbelltown City 10; Camden, Mittagong 9; Thirlmere 8; The Oaks 6; Narellan 5; Oakdale 3.
Reserve Grade
Thirlmere 12 Picton 30;
Oakdale 4 The Oaks 44;
Narellan 16 Camden 12;
Campbelltown City 6 Mittagong 40.
Under 18
Thirlmere 22 Picton 18;
Mt Annan Oakdale 16 Moss Vale Dragons 28;
Narellan 18 Camden 14;
Campbelltown City 18 Mittagong 26.
Ladies League Tag
Thirlmere 30 Oran Park Chargers 12;
Narellan 12 Camden 0;
Campbelltown City 54 Mittagong 0.
Second Division Cup
Appin Dogs 26 Narellan Jets 18;
Oran Park Chargers 30 Warragamba Wombats 40.
Second Division Shield
Bargo Bunnies 6 Robertson Spuddies 18;
Oran Park 16 Picton Magpies 6.
NEXT WEEK Round 9 (first grade only)
Campbelltown City vs Picton (5.30pm Saturday Campbelltown Stadium);
The Oaks vs Camden;
Mittagong vs Narellan;
Thirlmere vs Oakdale (all Sunday 2.30pm).
*Macarthur Sports Radio will broadcast live the Campbelltown City v Picton and The Oaks v Camden clashes.
