Campbelltown City and Camden are at the top of the Group 6 Rugby League ladder after Round 3, when all eight teams took to the field for the first time this season, reports MIKE SHEAN*.
Camden Rams kept their unbeaten record intact after a hard fought 32-30 win over Thirlmere on Saturday night at Thirlmere Sportsground.
A day later on Sunday afternoon, Campbelltown City Kangaroos joined the Rams on top of the table after an impressive 36-18 win over Narellan at Tony Norton Field, Claymore.
It was an even first half, with Narellan leading 12-6 at the break.
However, it was all one way traffic after the break.
The home side took control of the match, with fullback Jett Karam causing havoc for the Narellan defence during the last 40 minutes.
The result was six second half tries to the Kangaroos.
Coach Liam Fulton would have been happy with his side’s effort in the second stanza after a slow start to the game.
Narellan coach Shayne McMenemy would have been frustrated with the lack of possession from his side in the second half.
When the Jets did have some possession and territory, they scored a try through Adam Hoffman, who got the Jets back to 24-18, before late tries sealed the win for City.
At Thirlmere on Saturday night it was Adam Campbell who opened the scoring for the Roosters after just five minutes against the Camden Rams.
It was an open match, with neither side able to build any significant pressure inside the opposition quarter.
Inno Inosesio, who was one of the better players for the Roosters before coming off injured in the first half, scored a second try after nine minutes, giving them a 10-0 lead.
Camden hit back with a nice try on 24 minutes, before Thirlmere added another to extend their lead to 16-6 shortly after.
Camden scored shortly before halftime, giving Thirlmere a 16-10 lead at the break.
The Rams added the first two tries after halftime, courtesy of Shannon McDonnell and Huxley, who added his second, giving the visitors a 22-16 lead.
Tries were traded throughout the second half, with Camden only sealing the win in the final minutes, when McDonnell bagged his second of the night, giving the Rams a 32-30 win.
RESULTS – First Grade
Mittagong Lions 18 The Oaks Tigers 4;
Thirlmere Roosters 30 Camden Rams 32;
Picton Magpies 28 Oakdale Workers 14;
Campbelltown City 36 Narellan Jets 18.
Reserve Grade:
Mittagong 6 The Oaks 6;
Thirlmere 10 Camden 30;
Picton 44 Oakdale 0;
Campbelltown City 38 Narellan 16.
Under 18:
Mittagong 12 Moss Vale Dragons 16;
Thirlmere 22 Camden 18;
Picton 42 Mt Annan/Oakdale 24;
Campbelltown City 10 Narellan 38.
League Tag:
Mittagong 4 The Oaks 14;
Oran Park Chargers 80 Oakdale 0;
Thirlmere 22 Camden 18;
Campbelltown City 8 Narellan 24.
Group 6 Cup:
Warragamba Wombats 8 Narellan Jets 14;
Oran Park Chargers 18 Robertson Spuddies 0.
Group 6 Shield:
Picton Magpies 16 Bundanoon Highlanders 20;
Oran Park Chargers 22 Robertson Spuddies 10.
NEXT WEEK – Round 4 first grade:
Camden vs Oakdale (7pm Sat);
Mittagong vs Thirlmere (7.30pm Sat);
The Oaks vs Campbelltown City (Sun 2.30pm);
Narellan vs Picton (Sun 2.30pm).
*Listen to MIKE SHEAN call the footy every weekend on Macarthur Sports Radio.
