The Oaks Tigers have kept their finals hopes alive on the back of a tough 28-14 win over Mittagong on Sunday afternoon, reports MIKE SHEAN.
The Tigers, sitting fifth on the Group Six Rugby League ladder, had to work hard for the win.
The visitors from the Southern Highlands caused problems all afternoon for the locals, in a clash played in front of a vocal crowd.
It was at times a fiery affair with players locking horns and it’s a wonder both teams played with 13 men on the field for the duration of the match.
Mittagong started the stronger, scoring after seven minutes through winger Bo Lander, before centre Mandella Faleafaga added another eight minutes later, giving the Lions a 10-0 lead.
The signs were ominous for The Oaks, who had plenty of possession and territory but weren’t able to convert that into points on the scoreboard.
Eventually the Tigers machine started to roll into action, with prop Ross Brown opening their account after 18 minutes.
When centre Michael Brasington added another just minutes later the scores were level at 10-10 but that wouldn’t last for long.
Tigers’ hooker Kyle Bell, who was scheming and probing all afternoon scored 11 minutes before halftime, and the locals led 16-10 at the break.
Russell Odgers, who played at five eighth and led the side well, scored six minutes into the second half, giving the Tigers a 12 point lead.
Tim Townsend gave the Tigers some nervous moments when he scored for Mittagong with 17 minutes left, but a stray conversion attempt saw The Oaks lead 22-14.
Tigers’ lock Jeff Medley sealed the win with 10 minutes to go, ensuring his side remained in the Top Five on the back of a 14 point win.
Tigers’ coach Mitchell Brasington, who watched on from the sideline with a knee injury, was a relieved man after the match, knowing his side had bagged a valuable two points.
Brasington, who had his brother and co-coach Matthew join him on the sidelines with a knee injury, would have been pleased with the form of his halves, with Odgers’ kicking game, and Ben Scambary, normally a back rower, steering the side well.
Mittagong coaches David Elliott and Cameron Arlington would know they have blown an opportunity to sneak into the finals, with two matches remaining.
RESULTS – FIRST GRADE:
The Oaks Tigers 28 Mittagong Lions 14;
Narellan Jets 26 Campbelltown City 22;
Thirlmere Roosters 48 Oakdale Workers 14;
Picton Magpies 24 Camden Rams 18
LADDER:
Picton 28; Camden 20; Thirlmere 19; Narellan 17; The Oaks 16; Campbelltown City 12; Mittagong 10; Oakdale 8
RESERVE GRADE:
The Oaks 12 Mittagong 18;
Narellan 30 Campbelltown City 32;
Thirlmere 34 Oakdale 14;
Picton 0 Camden 28
UNDER 18:
Narellan 58 Campbelltown City 10;
Thirlmere 29 Appin Dogs 4;
Picton 4 Camden 34
LEAGUE TAG:
The Oaks 66 Mittagong 0;
Thirlmere 12 Mt Annan Barbarians 6
SECOND DIVISION:
Narellan Jets 16 Moss Vale Dragons 16;
Robertson Spuddies 34 Appin Dogs 16;
Bargo Bunnies 32 Mt Annan Knights 4;
Warragamba Wombats 15 Picton Magpies 0
LADDER:
Robertson 24; Warragamba 17; Appin 16; Narellan 15; Picton 12; Moss Vale 10; Bargo 8; Mt Annan 6.
NEXT WEEK – SUNDAY, 2.30PM KICKOFF:
Picton Magpies vs Mittagong Lions;
Narellan Jets vs Thirlmere Roosters.
♦ Narellan vs Thirlmere will be the Group 6 League Live broadcast match from 2pm Sunday. Click here to listen.
