The Picton Magpies have firmed as favourites for the 2015 Group Six rugby league premiership after an impressive 54-10 win over arch rivals Thirlmere Roosters. Our correspondent, MIKE SHEAN, reports that Michael Lett’s four try effort was one of the highlights of the match.
A fine cool Sunday was on offer for the healthy crowd which made their way to Thirlmere Sportsground, where the Roosters hosted their neighbours in the second of the local derby round fixtures for the season.
The Roosters seemed to have left all their intention in the locker room before the game, as the Magpies scored at will in the opening 25 minutes, with five tries effectively putting the game to bed before it had really begun.
Billy Carroll was the first to cross for a touchdown after just four minutes, with Alex Peters adding his name to the scoring list inside 10 minutes as the Magpies bounced out to an early 10-0 lead.
Michael Lett, who was one of the stars for the visitors, bagged the first of his four tries for the day after 15 minutes, and by this stage, Roosters coach David Greene would have known he and his team were in for a long afternoon at the office.
Chris White crossed shortly after, and when Donny Thompson scored the first of his double at the 25 minute mark, the scoreboard was at 28-0 in favour of the visitors and the game was quickly slipping away from the hosts.
Lett scored his second with six minutes left in the first half, and Picton were cruising at 34-0 when the halftime siren sounded.
Lett had his fourth try of the day after 12 minutes of the second half, and the score was now 44-0 in favour of the Magpies, sealing the two premiership points and their tenth win of the season.
The Roosters kept trying hard throughout the afternoon, but with little possession, territory, and a rampant opposition, they were always going to find the match difficult despite their best intentions.
There was some highlights for the Roosters, with Sione Kaivelata and youngster Riley Nairn crossing in the space of four minutes to add some respectability to the scoreline, as Picton led 48-10 with 11 minutes left.
It had become obvious the Magpies had taken their foot off the pedal in the second term, but they still managed to score the final try of the afternoon, through Ethan Whittington.
The 54-10 scoreline probably flattered the Roosters, with Picton coach Gary Dowse admitting he was a little concerned with his side’s lack of intensity in the second half.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]Dowse said his side was looking slightly ahead to the top of the table clash with Camden in two weeks’ time, but still needed to focus on their next match, against Oakdale, next weekend.[/social_quote]
Dowse said Lett was among the better players for Picton, with his four tries, but the whole side contributed to the win with a few standout players.
♦ RESULTS – FIRST GRADE:
Campbelltown City 10 Appin Dogs 38;
Mittagong Lions 22 Moss Vale Dragons 18;
Narellan Jets 24 Camden Rams 52;
Oakdale Workers 32 The Oaks Tigers 28;
Thirlmere Roosters 10 Picton Magpies 54
LADDER:
Picton 20
Camden 18
Appin 12
Mittagong 10
The Oaks 9
Moss Vale 9
Thirlmere 7
Narellan 6
Campbelltown City 5
Oakdale 4
♦ RESERVE GRADE:
Campbelltown City 34 Appin 24;
Mittagong 22 Moss Vale 22;
Narellan 44 Camden 4;
Oakdale 38 The Oaks 0;
Thirlmere 4 Picton 40
LADDER:
Picton 19
Camden 14
Oakdale 14
Campbelltown City 13
Narellan 12
Thirlmere 10
Appin 8
Mittagong 5
Moss Vale 3
The Oaks 2
♦ UNDER 18 (1):
Narellan 28 Camden 40;
Thirlmere 18 Picton 22;
Warragamba def Moss Vale on forfeit. (24-0 scoreline credited to match)
♦ UNDER 18 (2):
Campbelltown City 6 Camden Rams Red 18;
Mittagong 24 The Oaks 20
♦ SECOND DIVISION:
Bundanoon Highlanders 16 Robertson Spuddies 16;
Bargo Bunnies 16 Picton Magpies 14;
Narellan Jets White 25 Mt Annan Knights 18;
Warragamba Wombats 18 Bowral Blues 14
♦ NEXT WEEK – ROUND 11, FIST GRADE:
Moss Vale vs Campbelltown City (Saturday, 7.30pm);
Appin vs Thirlmere;
The Oaks vs Camden;
Mittagong vs Narellan;
Picton vs Oakdale
(all Sunday 2.30pm)
