Picton has claimed the first silverware of the 2015 Group Six Rugby League season, after a 22-10 win over arch rivals and local neighbours Thirlmere on Friday night.
The Pre-Season competition saw the finals night held at Kirkham Park, Camden, with a small but vocal crowd in attendance.
Picton met Mittagong in the first semi final, with a youthful Lions side testing the reigning premiers in the first 25 minutes. The scoreline at halftime was 0-0, and Mittagong would have believed they were a chance of an upset.
Picton kicked into gear in the second 25 minutes, eventually running away with a comfortable 18-6 win. They would have been confident going into the final, knowing they had several key players rested from the competition.
The second semi final saw Thirlmere meet Narellan, and the Roosters were too strong for a determined Jets out, winning 20-10.
Thirlmere led 8-6 at halftime, after conceding the first try of the match, with fullback James Perlowski among the better players for the Roosters in their semi final.
The final pitted the local rivals against each other, and there was plenty of feeling left on the Kirkham Park turf, with big hits from both sides.
Picton always seemed to have the measure of the young Thirlmere outfit, with the Magpies taking a 12-4 lead at halftime.
The Magpies extended that lead in the second half, before the final scoreline of 22-10 in favour of the black and whites.
Michael Lett accepted the Pre-Season Shield from Group Six President Grahame Andrews after the match, knowing his side will be better for the run in the competition.
◊ Group Six Rugby League kicks off their season next Saturday evening with three games in Round 1. The Oaks host Oakdale at Dudley Chesham Oval, with the Tigers Old Boys reunion being held on the day. Appin will host Campbelltown City at Appin Sportsground, while at Community Oval, Moss Vale returns to First Grade, welcoming Mittagong to town.
Sunday afternoon will see two massive local derbies to complete the rivalry round, with Camden meeting Narellan at Kirkham Park, while Thirlmere once again faces the Picton Magpies, and will make the short trip to Victoria Park on Sunday for the reigning premiers.
• By MIKE SHEAN
