It was hard to decide which was more entertaining on Sunday when Campbelltown City Kangaroos hosted cross town rivals Campbelltown Collegians in round three of Group 6 rugby league.
The game at Fullwood Reserve was a high quality, pulsating contest, producing 10 tries in 80 minutes, with the visitors getting the chocolates in a 34-22 win.
But just as compelling was the cheeky effort of the Kangaroos fans in trying to put off Collegians half Nautu’a Masima every time he lined up the ball for a conversion or a penalty.
The first time they sang “lolly legs, lolly legs, lolly legs’’ even the referee couldn’t help turning his head to have a quick squeeze at the Kangaroos “choir’’.
It didn’t even matter that Masima, a cheeky grin and all, proceeded to kick everything that was on offer for his side.
And as if these distractions were not enough for this lone representative of the press, the “media quarters’’ were down wind from the barbecue.
The smell of delicious snags cooking wafted past our nose most of the game, making concentrating on the game a bit of a challenge.
But back to the game, which was played in perfect conditions for rugby league, although Collegians had a stiff breeze at their back in the first 40 minutes.
And with Masima in fine form once again, Collegians raced to a 16-0 lead inside the first 30 minutes.
The Kangaroos weren’t playing bad by any means, but the visitors had a little more go forward, with Masima weaving his magic and doing the rest.
Momentum in rugby league does go back and forth, and this game was no exception, as the Roos came roaring back, scoring with around eight minutes to go in the first half.
With the score at 16-6, they were back in the game, and maybe they relaxed a little because the Collies took advantage, hitting straight back with another four pointer.
It looked we were heading to oranges with the visitors leading 22-6, but the Kangaroos put on one more attacking raid, and it paid off.
They scored in the far corner to make it 22-10, but couldn’t convert.
It was all the home side when the second half got under way, the Roos scoring two tries to be 22-22 on the scoreboard and with 24 minutes to go.
The next to score was crucial, and unfortunately for the home fans, it was the Collegians who breached the Roos try line to make it 26-22.
A penalty a few minutes later gave them a six point lead, and when they scored a converted try in the corner to make it 34-22 it was all over bar the shouting.
The Kangaroos would have been disappointed but can certainly be proud of their effort.
On the other side, the Collies, who were on the receiving end of some big scorelines in their first season back in Group 6 in 2022, look like they may be contenders this season.
RESULTS – ROUND 3:
Oaks Tigers 36 def South West Goannas 10
Mittagong Lions 38 def Narellan Jets 8
Oakdale Workers 30 Thirlmere Roosters 34
Picton Magpies 30 def East Campbelltown Eagles 26
Campbelltown City Kangaroos 22 Campbelltown Collegians 34
Camden Rams – Bye
NEXT WEEK ROUND 4 – 3PM SUNDAY, APRIL 23:
Campbelltown Collegians v East Campbelltown Eagles Bradbury Oval
Mittagong Lions v Oakdale Workers Mittagong Sports Ground
Narellan Jets v Camden Rams Narellan Sports Ground
South West Goannas v Picton Magpies Onslow Oval Camden
Thirlmere Roosters v Campbelltown City Kangaroos Thirlmere Sports Ground
