Moss Vale may have been beaten 42-6 by the Picton Magpies on Saturday night, but the scoreboard did not reflect how close the match was, reports MIKE SHEAN.
Picton maintained their perfect record in the Group Six Rugby League premiership, but they were pushed by a determined and physical Moss Vale Dragons outfit.
The Dragons hosted Picton on Saturday night at Community Oval, with a healthy crowd braving cold conditions to enjoy a physical and at times spiteful game, with tempers flaring on several occasions.
The home side opened the scoring almost immediately through Aiden Menzi after a Picton error from the kick off but this was one of the few highlights for the locals.
Picton replied after 10 minutes through five eighth Don Thompson, but scoring became difficult for the visitors after that as the Dragons defence muscled up and took aim at the Magpies pack.
Picton finally found a way through the line of the home side after 28 minutes, when Michael Lett crossed, thanks to a brilliant pass from Thompson.
The Magpies bagged another two tries just before halftime, with Lett and Thompson each adding to their tallies to give the visitors a 22-6 lead at the break.
Thompson scored almost immediately after the resumption, setting up a 20 point margin in favour of the visitors.
Lett and Thompson then took control of the Picton attack and each scored another try during a six minute burst after the hour mark that secured the win for the visitors.
A late try to Picton put the icing on the cake for the 42-6 victory, but the scoreline certainly didn’t reflect the tough football played by both sides on the night.
Moss Vale player/coach Robbie Payne was upbeat despite the loss, acknowledging the effort put in from his side, especially in defence.
Payne said his side had been prepared for the physical contest, and he was happy they had matched the more experienced Picton pack.
“We have plenty of room for improvement ahead of next week’s match with Narellan,’’ Payne said.
Picton co-coach Gary Dowse was pleased with the effort from his side, especially in light of the mounting injury toll facing his side.
Dowse confirmed Michael Lett had suffered a hamstring injury during the game, but wasn’t sure how long he would be sidelined, with scans needed to determine the severity of the injury.
Dowse was happy to leave Community Oval with the win, knowing the Dragons would be a tough opponent, and conditions didn’t make playing attacking football easy.
ROUND 7 GROUP SIX RESULTS – FIRST GRADE
Moss Vale Dragons 6 Picton Magpies 42;
Appin Dogs 34 Narellan Jets 26;
The Oaks Tigers 18 Mittagong Lions 24;
Camden Rams 72 Campbelltown City 18;
Thirlmere Roosters 44 Oakdale Workers 18.
LADDER
Picton 14
Camden 12
Appin* 8
Moss Vale 7
Mittagong 6
The Oaks* 6
Thirlmere* 6
Campbelltown City* 3
Narellan 2
Oakdale 2
*Game in hand.
NEXT WEEK Round 8 first grade (all matches Sunday 2.30pm):
Mittagong vs Appin;
Narellan vs Moss Vale;
Oakdale vs Camden;
Thirlmere vs The Oaks;
Picton vs Campbelltown City.
Reserve Grade
Moss Vale 6 Picton 50;
Appin 22 Narellan 18;
The Oaks 24 Mittagong 18;
Camden 30 Campbelltown City 24;
Thirlmere 0 Oakdale 26.
LADDER
Picton 14
Camden 12
Oakdale 10
Narellan 8
Campbelltown City* 8
Appin 4
Thirlmere* 4
Mittagong 2
The Oaks* 2
Moss Vale 2
