Round 11 produced two big upsets and there would have been a third but The Oaks Tigers held on to defeat Campbelltown City by a converted try at Dudley Chesham Oval.
There was nothing close about The Oakdale Workers’ 42-10 victory over Mittagong Lions at Mittagong Sportsground.
But as MIKE SHEAN reports, the biggest upset of the round was at Thirlmere Sportsground where the Narellan Jets downed the Roosters 34-24.
The Jets never looked like losing, taking control early and keeping it that way for the majority of the match, played in cool conditions in the Wollondilly.
Narellan centre Jackson Kuli opened the scoring after four minutes, as the Jets came out with a clear intent to play attacking football.
Prop Jayden Lang scored a first half double, with the big man scoring his first 15 minutes in, before adding another 10 minutes later.
Lang and fellow prop Mirnes Korajac were a handful for the Thirlmere pack.
Winger Jarrod Forrest scored a brilliant try in the corner seven minutes before halftime, before Sol Kamuta added his name to the list on the stroke of halftime, giving the Jets a 28-0 lead.
Thirlmere were fired up at halftime by coach Jake Mullaney, who would have been very frustrated with the form from his side.
Whatever he said seemed to work, as they scored first through Raka Poaru three minutes after play resumed.
Scoring in the second half was more limited, with the Jets’ defence proving to be a highlight, as they kept the Roosters out for long periods of time.
Thirlmere youngster Dylan Cooper scored on debut and late tries to Dayne Craig and Bailey Nairn made the scoreboard a little more respectable for the home side.
With the 34-24 victory in his pocket, Narellan coach Jason Small would have been pleased with the showing from his side throughout the 80 minutes.
The commitment in defence from the Jets would have been an especially pleasing aspect of the win.
Small will now want some consistency from his side when they return home to host Picton next Sunday.
Another win for the Jets will see them apply pressure on the teams above them, including Picton.
RESULTS – ROUND 11, FIRST GRADE
The Oaks Tigers 30 Campbelltown City 24;
Mittagong Lions 10 Oakdale Workers 42;
Thirlmere Roosters 24 Narellan Jets 34.
Camden and Picton – bye.
LADDER: Camden 21; Thirlmere 18; The Oaks 16; Picton 15; Narellan 12; Mittagong 10; Oakdale 8; Campbelltown City 4.
RESERVE GRADE
The Oaks 26 Campbelltown City 32;
Mittagong 54 Oakdale 0;
Thirlmere 28 Narellan 30;
Picton Magpies 52 Moss Vale Dragons 6.
UNDER 18
Thirlmere 10 Narellan 22;
Picton 34 Moss Vale 10.
LEAGUE TAG
Narellan White 0 Narellan Blue 58;
The Oaks 10 City Blue 28;
Mittagong 0 Oakdale 48;
Picton 14 City Gold 10.
GSR WOMEN’S TROPHY
Helensburgh 18 Camden 10;
Thirlmere 30 Avondale 8;
Picton 0 Corrimal 46.
SECOND DIVISION
Bowral Blues 14 Mt Annan Knights 14;
Oran Park Chargers 22 Warragamba Wombats 30;
Thirlmere Roosters 0 Narellan Jets 4.
NEXT WEEK – ROUND 12 FIRST GRADE
Campbelltown City v Mittagong (Saturday 7pm, Campbelltown Stadium);
The Oaks v Camden (Sunday 2.30pm);
Narellan v Picton (Sunday 3pm).
