It’s amazing how a local derby can bring out the best in a footy team that’s been struggling all season.
That was the case at Waminda Oval on Sunday when old rivals East Campbelltown Eagles and Campbelltown City Kangaroos clashed in round 15 of the Macarthur Conference rugby league premiership.
Both of these proud clubs have had a tough season in 2024 and are unlikely to play finals footy.
But when they locked horns on Sunday only one thing mattered: getting bragging rights by beating the other mob.
In the first half things looked grim for the home side, with the Kangaroos storming to a 16-0 lead, with the Eagles scoring late to head into the sheds at 16-6.
Their resurgence continue in the second half and the match was set up for a thriller with the scores locked at 18-18 with less than 20 minutes to go.
The end to end action was something to behold – it was a real local derby fight to the end stuff that warmed the cockles of the hearts of the fans who braved the arctic conditions to watch the match.
As we got close to full time, players dug deep and sheer desperation was on display time after time.
It went up a level after the Kangaroos scored to make it 18-22 and the Eagles threw everything at them right up to the hooter going off.
This was a great game of rugby league, and it was a shame there had to be a loser.
We’re now at the business end of the premiership and Camden sit on top of the ladder with 29 points, with Oakdale four points behind in second place.
Mittagong are third on 22 points, followed by The Oaks and Thirlmere on 21, making up the top five.
It’s going to take a miracle to see anyone else getting there.
RESULTS – ROUND 15
Thirlmere Roosters 26 Picton Magpies 20
Campbelltown Collegians 44 South West Goannas 40
Camden Rams 26 The Oaks Tigers 10
Oakdale Workers 26 Narellan Jets 10
East Campbelltown Eagles 18 Campbelltown City Kangaroos 22
Bye: Mittagong Lions
ROUND 16 – 3PM SUNDAY, JULY 28:
Tigers v Eagles
Kangaroos v Collegians
Rams v Workers
Lions v Jets
Goannas v Roosters
