Campbelltown City prevailed 28-12 against The Oaks Tigers on Sunday at Dudley Chesham Oval to remain undefeated in the 2017 season.
In a game that didn’t reach any great heights, City was first out of the blocks with well worked tries to Joey Peato and Christian Tulua giving it a 10-0 lead after 15 minutes.
But the Kangaroos went into their shell at this point, committing a series of errors and penalties that stifled their ability to extend their lead.
Chasing their first win, The Oaks came out with renewed second half vigour and Michael Brasington soon crossed to narrow the lead to 10-6.
As soon as the Tigers were back in the game though, a succession of tries to Jett Karam and Tiger Vatuvei took the ‘Roos out to an 18-6 lead – with only poor goal kicking now keeping the locals in the contest.
City’s talisman backrower Chris Williamson, playing his ninth season of first grade for the Kangaroos, then scored one of the most memorable try of his career, a solo 60 metre burst, taking the Campbelltown boys out to an unassailable 22-6 lead.
Classy City backs Josh Burke and Jett Karam then combined to put Jhy Karam in, before a late try to The Oaks’ Josh Van Der Meulen saw time expire 28-12 in favour of the ‘Roos.
Best for City were tireless lock Matt Jones, rake Ryan Russell and centre Christian Tulua.
For the home side, Kyal Greene and Michael Brasington tried hard all game and Chris Vaotuua looked dangerous from the bench.
After the game, City coach Liam Fulton was relieved to take the two away points from a desperate Oaks team, but acknowledged that his team’s lack of game management will come back to hurt them as the season wears on.
The Kangaroos next take on the Thirlmere Roosters at Tony Norton Field on Sunday, May 14.
♦ The Camden v Oakdale first grade match was deferred due to a serious player injury shortly after kick-off, and will be rescheduled to a later date.
RESULTS – first grade
Mittagong Lions 14 Thirlmere Roosters 22;
The Oaks Tigers 12 Campbelltown City 28;
Narellan Jets 16 Picton Magpies 38.
Reserve Grade
Mittagong 54 Thirlmere 14;
Camden Rams 52 Oakdale Workers 0;
The Oaks 10 Campbelltown City 16;
Narellan 27 Picton 16.
Under 18
Mittagong 40 Thirlmere 32;
Camden 46 Mt Annan-Oakdale 4;
The Oaks 0 Campbelltown City 56;
Narellan 18 Picton 36.
League Tag
Camden 60 Oakdale 0;
Mittagong 0 Thirlmere 24;
The Oaks 0 Campbelltown City 56;
Narellan 18 Oran Park Chargers 20.
Second Division Cup
Narellan Jets 18 Appin Dogs 18;
Warragamba Wombats 10 Oran Park Chargers 28.
Second Division Shield
Oran Park Chargers 10 Picton Magpies 48;
Bargo Bunnies 6 Robertson Spuddies 12.
NEXT WEEK First grade round 1 deferred matches:
The Oaks Tigers vs Oakdale Workers Saturday 6pm;
Camden Rams vs Narellan Jets Sunday 2.30pm;
Picton Magpies vs Thirlmere Roosters Sunday 3pm.
