Camden Rams and the Picton Magpies are on a finals collision course following the completion of the 2015 Group Six home and away season.
The Rams wrapped up the minor premiership – and earned a rest on week one of the finals this weekend – with another emphatic victory, an 80-10 romp over the Thirlmere Roosters.
The Magpies, who as expected finished equal on points but in second place after disposing of Mittagong on the weekend, will face Narellan this Sunday in the first of a finals double header at Kirkham.
The match will kick off at 1.25pm and the winner will book a date with minor premiers Camden the following week in a grand final qualifier.
But the loser can still make the big one, which means Rams and Magpies could lock horns in week two and on grand final day a fortnight later.
The elimination final will be played at Kirkham between The Oaks Tigers and Appin from 3pm and follow the Magpies and Jets clash.
The Oaks defeated Campbelltown City 42-22 on Saturday night to ensure their finals spot.
But two finals bound teams suffered last round defeats: Moss Vale upset Appin 48-10 and Oakdale surprised Narellan 32-28.
Picton, too, did it hard against a determined Mittagong Lions outfit on Sunday afternoon, as MIKE SHEAN reports:
The Magpies won 30-24 over Mittagong, but the Lions were impressive and made the visitors work for the two points.
Unfortunately for the local fans, the loss meant the Lions were out of contention for the finals.
The scoreboard attendants were idle until the 14th minute when when Adam Jeffries scored for the locals to give them a 6-0 lead.
Shortly after Issac Ngaia extended the lead for Mittagong, and the Picton bench was becoming concerned as the game progressed.
Picton finally opened their account on 25 minutes, when fullback Rory Vale crossed following some nice lead up play from the Magpies.
Mittagong went to the break leading 18-6, after another try and a penalty goal.
Picton, obviously fired up from the halftime address, scored through centre Josh McIlvenny, reducing the margin to 8 points, and giving their supporters some hope.
Rory Vale continued the fightback for the Magpies with his second try of the day, and with 25 minutes left, Mittagong was holding on to a slim 18-14 lead.
Ngaia scored a second try, before Don Thompson again reduced the margin to four points, with 15 minutes remaining on the clock.
Eric Everett levelled the scores with 8 minutes left, and supporters from all sides were making calculations to see what was needed for their side to survive.
Tim Dengate sealed the win for Picton with five minutes left, but the Lions had several late chances to steal a draw or win, but it wasn’t to be as their season came to an end.
Picton co- coach Bryce Poisel was a relieved man after the win, as he admitted the side probably needed some tough opposition before the finals begin next weekend.
Poisel was impressed with Mittagong’s commitment, and knows his side need to improve if they’re to give the finals a shake.
GROUP 6 FINALS WEEK 1:
Saturday – Sid Sharpe Oval, Oakdale:
Reserve grade – Campbelltown City vs Oakdale (7.30pm);
Second Division – Robertson vs Picton (4.15pm);
Mt Annan vs Bundanoon (5.50pm);
Under 18 (2) – Campbelltown City vs Camden (2.40pm)
Sunday – Kirkham Park, Camden.
First grade – Picton vs Narellan (1.25pm);
The Oaks vs Appin (3pm)
Reserve grade – Narellan vs Camden (11.50am)
Under 18 (1) – Campbelltown City vs Warragamba (8.40am);
Narellan vs Thirlmere (10.15am)
