They may still be seeking their first victory in 2019, but Campbelltown City Kangaroos continue to bravely soldier on.
On Saturday night they went down 30-19 to Mittagong Lions in a round 12 match after leading 19-10 at the halftime break.
As MIKE SHEAN reports, the proud Kangaroos made the visitors work hard for the two premiership points at Campbelltown Sports Stadium – City’s spiritual home ground once upon a time called Orana Park.
Mittagong, one of this year’s premiership heavyweights, knew they had been in a tough battle over 80 minutes with the Kangaroos.
The Roos started well, with the opening try to their captain coach Michael Stevens.
Mittagong replied with tries to Jye Frazer and Jake Ngaia, giving them a 10-6 lead, before the Roos struck back with a double in the space of eight minutes to hard working backrower Chris Williamson.
A field goal on halftime to Jhy Karam saw the Roos head to the rooms with a 19-10 lead.
However, Mittagong dominated the second half, with tries to Josh Harrison and a second half double to captain Regan Economos, while the Roos failed to trouble the scorers.
On Sunday afternoon, perfect winter conditions greeted all at Crane Oval, where Narellan Jets hosted another competition heavyweight, the Picton Magpies.
Picton took control of the game early in both halves, with five eighth Daniel Payne scoring an early double in the first term, before adding a third in the second half.
Veteran captain Michael Lett scored twice after the break, as Narellan struggled to match the visitors in intensity.
Narellan played well in patches, with tries to Lenny Sauni and Ate Katoa the rare highlights for the Jets.
The Picton coaching staff of Michael Lett and Gary Dowse would be pleased with the 38-10 win, but more so with the way the Magpies performed.
In the other Round 12 match Camden defeated The Oaks Tigers by the same scoreline, 38-10, maintaining their unbeaten record in 2019, and keeping their position atop the Group 6 ladder.
The Oaks though slipped down to fourth spot after their loss.
RESULTS – FIRST GRADE
Campbelltown City 19 Mittagong Lions 30;
The Oaks Tigers 10 Camden Rams 38;
Narellan Jets 10 Picton Magpies 38.
Thirlmere, Oakdale – bye.
RESERVE GRADE
Campbelltown City 36 Mittagong 34;
The Oaks 4 Camden 34;
Narellan 24 Picton 10;
Oakdale Workers 0 Moss Vale Dragons 44
UNDER 18
Moss Vale 4 Mittagong 66.
WOMEN’S LEAGUE
Camden 62 Picton 0;
Moss Vale 0 Thirlmere 6
LEAGUE TAG
City Gold 12 Oakdale 40;
City Blue 44 Mittagong 0;
The Oaks 12 Camden 18;
Narellan Blue 28 Picton 0.
SECOND DIVISION
Campbelltown City 34 Bowral Blues 12;
Warragamba Wombats 40 Thirlmere Roosters 16;
Narellan 24 Picton 16.
NEXT WEEK – ROUND 13 – FIRST GRADE
Picton v Oakdale (Saturday 4pm);
Mittagong v Camden
Thirlmere v The Oaks (both Sunday 2.30pm)
