“A very pleased club this morning … after being on death’s door this time three years ago, all four grades in the semi finals in 2017.’’
That was Alex Melville, director secretary of the Campbelltown City Kangaroos this morning.
He and coach Liam Fulton would be the happiest footy club chiefs in the Group Six competition today.
And for good reason.
A last gasp try to the Kangaroos against Camden on Sunday salvaged a draw at Tony Norton Field.
But this was one very, very valuable premiership point.
It meant the Kangaroos finished the home and away season in third place and will play the Thirlmere Roosters in the qualifying final this coming Sunday at Harvey Shephard Field, Camden.
Coach Liam Fulton was happy with the final result, but like all coaches had one eye on next week.
He said that the Kangaroos needed to improve against Thirlmere next week or they would go down.
“We showed a lot of grit and determination to get that result today, but it won’t be enough next week,” Fulton said.
Camden shocked the Kangaroos early when they romped to a 12-0 lead.
With 20 minutes left in the game the home side were 20-12 behind and looking down the barrel of finishing outside the top three.
But a try 13 minutes from time brought the Kangaroos within four points.
And then it came down to the last play where luckily the Kangaroos playmakers held their nerve in spreading the ball to the left before scoring in the corner.
Mr Melville said all four Kangaroos teams making the finals was a feat last achieved almost 50 years ago in 1971.
A 14-man Under 18 team, led by Siafa Malo and Jarrod Burke, claimed a tough 26-24 win over Camden.
In a spiteful Ladies’ League Tag game, the ‘Roos girls emerged victors 18-16, and their own top three spot on the ladder.
Alison Warters stamped herself as one of the competition’s best players, with a stellar two try performance.
In reserve grade, a very physical City pack dished out considerable punishment to an understrength Camden team in winning 30-0.
A rematch with Camden now awaits in next week’s semi final.
In first grade, Camden will host the Mittagong Lions in the first elimination final from 1.15pm on Sunday at Harvey Shephard Field with the Thirlmere v Campbelltown City clash to follow from 3pm. MIKE SHEAN reports that it took a dramatic final round to determine the order of the teams in the top five.
Thirlmere finished second after a hard fought, 24-18 win over a determined and desperate The Oaks Tigers side at Thirlmere Sportsground.
Mittagong finished fifth after going down to minor premiers Picton 30-16 at Mittagong Sportsground.
A vocal home crowd witnessed their side preparing for the finals in the best way possible.
The other match from Round 14 saw Narellan defeat Oakdale 48-22 at Sid Sharpe Oval, giving the Jets a third win of the season, while Oakdale finished at the bottom of the ladder.
RESULTS – FIRST GRADE
Thirlmere Roosters 24 The Oaks Tigers 18;
Campbelltown City 20 Camden Rams 20;
Mittagong Lions 16 Picton Magpies 30;
Oakdale Workers 22 Narellan Jets 48.
RESERVE GRADE
Thirlmere 10 The Oaks 44;
Campbelltown City 30 Camden 0;
Mittagong 10 Picton 20;
Oakdale 12 Narellan 50.
UNDER 18
Thirlmere 56 Moss Vale Dragons 12;
Campbelltown City 26 Camden 24;
Mittagong 12 Picton 32;
Mt Annan Oakdale 14 Narellan 30.
LEAGUE TAG
Thirlmere 54 The Oaks 0;
Campbelltown City 18 Camden 16;
Mittagong 4 Oran Park 40;
Oakdale 0 Narellan 72.
SECOND DIVISION CUP
Robertson Spuddies 24 Narellan Jets 18;
Warragamba Wombats 16 Appin Dogs 28.
SECOND DIVISION SHIELD
Bundanoon Highlanders 54 Oran Park Chargers 18;
Picton Magpies 18 Bargo Bunnies 20.
NEXT WEEK – FINALS SATURDAY Sid Sharpe Oval, Oakdale
Picton v Robertson (Shield – Minor 12.15pm);
Camden v Campbelltown City (18s Elim Final 2pm);
Camden v Oran Park (League Tag – Elim Final 3.30pm); Narellan v Picton (Res – Elim Final 4.30pm);
Camden v Campbelltown City (Res – Qual Final 6pm)
SUNDAY Harvey Shephard Field, Camden
Picton v Narellan (18s – Qual Final 9am);
Thirlmere v Campbelltown City (League Tag – Qual Final 10.45am);
Appin v Oran Park (Cup – Minor 11.45am);
Camden v Mittagong (First grade – Elim Final 1.15pm);
Thirlmere v Campbelltown City (First Qual Final – 3pm).
