Pictures: Mike Shean
The Campbelltown City Kangaroos bounced back into form but luck wasn’t on their side when they lost by just one point to The Oaks Tigers in a round nine clash on the weekend, reports MIKE SHEAN:
The Oaks Tigers have kept pace with the top five after a hard fought 18-17 win over Campbelltown City on Sunday afternoon at Campbelltown Stadium.
A vocal crowd made their way to the old Orana Park, despite the overcast and cool conditions for players.
The ground was in excellent condition and open football was played by both sides as a result.
City winger Alan Beckman opened the scoring for the locals after 11 minutes, with a nice move down the Kangaroos left hand side.
Dayne Syron doubled the lead for City four minutes later, with a Tigers error allowing an attacking raid for the Kangaroos, who took advantage of the opportunity offered to them.
As a result the home side held an 8-0 lead.
Tigers captain/coach Mitchell Brasington scored his team’s first points with a solo try.
The successful conversion brought the visitors back to within two points and in contention.
Chris Williamson, who was one of the better players for City, scored after a nice build up from the Roos to restore the lead to six points.
Nick Greenhalgh, who came off with an injury in the second half, slotted a field goal on the stroke of halftime, to give the Roos a 13-6 lead at the break.
The second half was more of the same from both sides, who were both guilty of handling errors.
Tigers prop Ross Brown, who was among the best for the Tigers, crossed after 12 minutes of the second half, reducing the City lead to a sole point.
The final 10 minutes saw desperation from both sides, with Hayden Bunce crossing with nine minutes remaining, to give the Tigers an 18-13 lead.
Jack Cahill scored with three minutes remaining in the match, giving City hope, but unfortunately for their fans, their goal kicking was their Achilles heel, with no conversions kicked across the day, meaning The Oaks held on for a one point win.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]City coach Drew Dalton was frustrated with the loss, admitting they needed to keep winning to have any chance of making the finals this season.[/social_quote]
“We struggled when we lost Nick Greenhalgh to injury in the second half.
“We lost direction,’’ Dalton said.
Dalton nominated Greenhalgh as being among the better players for City, along with Chris Williamson and hooker Luke Bonnell, who tried hard all afternoon.
Tigers captain/coach Mitchell Brasington was relieved after the match, and admitted his side was lucky to get the win, but hadn’t played their best against the Roos.
“We have plenty to work on ahead of Friday night’s clash at Appin, both on our defence and our attack,’’ Brasington said.
• Round 9 results, first grade:
Camden Rams 54 Thirlmere Roosters 0;
Moss Vale Dragons 55 Appin Dogs 22;
Campbelltown City 17 The Oaks Tigers 18;
Oakdale Workers 6 Narellan Jets 48;
Picton Magpies 32 Mittagong Lions 20.
Reserve Grade:
Camden 24 Thirlmere 26;
Moss Vale 10 Appin 26;
Campbelltown City 36 The Oaks 12;
Oakdale 34 Narellan 12;
Picton 36 Mittagong 16.
Under 18 (1):
Camden 34 Thirlmere 18;
Campbelltown City 28 Warragamba Wombats 32;
Under 18 (2):
Campbelltown City 26 The Oaks 24;
Camden Rams Red 12 Mittagong 22.
Second Division:
Bargo Bunnies 22 Narellan Jets White 56;
Mt Annan Knights 58 Bowral Blues 0;
Narellan Jets Blue 44 Warragamba Wombats 4;
Picton Magpies 6 Robertson Spuddies 10.
Next Week – First grade deferred matches
Appin vs The Oaks (Friday Night – 7.30pm at Appin Sportsground);
Thirlmere vs Campbelltown City (Sunday 2.30pm at Thirlmere Sportsground).
All other clubs have a bye.
♦ Kirkham Park, Camden will host the semi finals of the CRL Country Championships on Saturday, June 13. Matches begin at 10am, with Greater Southern Stars playing at 11.40am.
