Ground closures meant that the start of the new senior rugby league competition in Macarthur was marred by cancellations of two of the five scheduled matches on the weekend.
One of them was the clash between neighbours Narellan Jets and Camden Rams.
But the most disappointing postponement was the much anticipated local derby between the Campbelltown City Kangaroos and the Campbelltown Collegians at Fullwood Reserve.
The Collies would have been playing their first game back in what was known until last year as the Group Six premiership.
It is now known as either the Macarthur Combined Competition or the Macarthur Senior Conference Competition, take your pick.
The 2022 season was officially launched last Friday night at Camden Lakeside, where the 10 teams were unveiled.
One of them, East Campbelltown Eagles, were returning to the fold after an absence of almost 10 years.
It didn’t take the Eagles long to send a message to the rest of the competition that they are not in there to make up the numbers.
The Campbelltown boys put on a typically tough, in your face defensive performance to shut out Mittagong Lions on Sunday.
In a match played in very wet conditions at Mittagong Sportsground, the Eagles were too good for the brave Lions, winning 28-8.
However, the Campbelltown club did not fare too well in the reggies, copping a bit of a thrashing in going down 54-14 to the Lions in reserve grade.
In the second match played on Sunday, Picton Magpies were too good for Thirlmere Roosters at Victoria Park Picton, running out winners 30-16.
The Roosters won the earlier game in reserves, 14-12.
On Saturday at Sid Sharpe Oval, Oakdale Workers started the season with a bang, defeating The Oaks Tigers 28-14.
The Workers were too big, too fast and too good for their neighbours.
Indeed, they dominated both grades, winning 10-6 in reserve grade.
