Campbelltown City have made a statement to the Group 6 Rugby League with a comeback win over Camden 28-24 on Sunday afternoon. Macarthur Sport Radio’s MIKE SHEAN reports:
The Kangaroos headed to Harvey Shephard Field having lost only one match this season, and they were able to keep that record intact, although they did it the hard way, scoring the winner inside the final five minutes of play.
City opened the scoring on a cool Sunday afternoon through fullback Jett Karam, who returned to the side after injury, and was immediately back to his dangerous best from the back of the field.
Camden’s centre Michael Applebee had a day out against the Roos, scoring four tries, and creating havoc for the Kangaroos defence.
The reply to Applebee’s first try came from Campbelltown replacement Theo Wulf, who restored the visitors’ lead after 22 minutes at 10-4.
Applebee added his second minutes later, before City centre Ihaia Kohonui restored the margin with nine minutes remaining, as the Roos led 16-10.
Neither side added to the score before the halftime break.
Applebee seemed to be keeping the home side in the game, and with the words of Camden coach Scott Davey ringing in his ears, he added his third eight minutes into the second stanza.
Kohonui added his second of the afternoon shortly after, restoring City’s 8 point lead before Applebee crossed for his final try of the day, giving Camden a hope at 22-18, but with 18 minutes still left on the clock.
Both sides were showing why they are sitting inside the top five, with solid defence and few handling errors during the match.
The final 10 minutes saw the game decided, with Camden centre Kyle Simmonds crossing to give the Rams a 24-22 lead, but spectators knew this wouldn’t be the final score of the day.
City five eighth Jhy Karam, who was busy all afternoon setting up the Roos attack, scored the final try of the day with five minutes remaining, thanks to his brother Jett, who did all the hard work to set up the try.
City were able to withstand the final few minutes, when Camden threw everything except the kitchen sink at the Campbelltown defensive line.
Campbelltown City coach Liam Fulton will be looking for a quick recovery from his side, as they head to Picton on Friday night for a deferred match with the Magpies before the long weekend break.
Fulton will know his side wasn’t at their best in beating Camden, and will have plenty of room for improvement, especially with several players missing from their best 13.
Camden coach Scott Davey’s side will have two weeks to work on their issues before the next match, a local derby away at Narellan.
RESULTS first grade
The Oaks Tigers 28 Thirlmere Roosters 26;
Camden Rams 24 Campbelltown City 28;
Narellan Jets 34 Oakdale Workers 20;
Picton Magpies 18 Mittagong Lions 36.
Ladder – Picton, Campbelltown City 10; Camden, Mittagong 7; Thirlmere 6; Narellan 5; The Oaks 4; Oakdale 3.
Reserve Grade
The Oaks 6 Thirlmere 24;
Camden 38 Campbelltown City 4;
Narellan 34 Oakdale 12;
Picton 12 Mittagong 22.
Under 18
Moss Vale Dragons 24 Thirlmere 52;
Camden 40 Campbelltown City 22;
Narellan 36 Mt Annan Oakdale 26;
Picton 10 Mittagong 10.
League Tag
The Oaks 0 Thirlmere 46;
Camden 13 Campbelltown City 12;
Narellan 58 Oakdale 0;
Oran Park 18 Mittagong 0.
Second Division Cup
Narellan Jets 10 Warragamba Wombats 30;
Oran Park Chargers 16 Robertson Spuddies 18.
Second Division Shield
Picton Magpies 16 Bundanoon Highlanders 16;
Oran Park Chargers 12 Robertson Spuddies 10.
NEXT WEEK
Picton v Campbelltown City – Friday 7.30pm. The match will be broadcast live on Group 6 League Live through www.macarthursportsradio.com from the 7.30pm kickoff.
