Picton have booked their place in the 2018 Group 6 Rugby League grand final, while Thirlmere have bowed out of the race in a thrilling finish to week two of the finals at Harvey Shephard Field, Camden, reports MIKE SHEAN, of Macarthur Sports Radio.
The Magpies were too strong for The Oaks Tigers in winning the major semi final 34-24, while Camden outlasted a dogged Thirlmere 32-26 in the minor semi final.
Camden will now meet The Oaks in next Sunday’s preliminary final at Thirlmere Sportsground for the right to take on Picton in the premiership decider in two weeks at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Picton won yesterday’s match against the Tigers off the back of two periods of momentum.
The first was at around 20 minutes into the game, when they scored three tries in quick succession.
The Magpies again took charge of the game early in the second half when they scored two tries in six minutes to give them a 28-12 lead with 20 minutes left in the game.
As hard as they tried, The Oaks weren’t able to work their way back into the game, and Picton held on for a 10-point win.
Tigers captain coach Mitchell Brasington admitted after the game that they were their own worst enemies in the match.
Picton captain coach Michael Lett was a relieved man after the match, knowing his side had not been at their best, but still won the match.
In the second match of the double header between Camden and Thirlmere, both sides knew it was all or nothing and threw everything at each other over the 80 minutes.
The Roosters came flying out of the blocks to grab an 8-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes.
But the Rams brought their fans into the game with a nice try to Christian Poutoa shortly after.
Both sides settled into a tough and physical style of football, and it was Thirlmere which went to the break with a slender 14-12 lead, courtesy of a Jacob Loko try just before the hooter.
The second half was a real arm wrestle.
Camden jumped out to a 10-point lead with 13 minutes to go when Josh Goulton bagged his second try of the day, but the Roosters refused to lie down and fought hard to keep their season alive.
A try to Raui Poaru inside the final 10 minutes brought them within a converted try but the Rams held on for a hard-fought victory.
RESULTS – WEEK 2 FIRST GRADE
Picton Magpies 34 The Oaks Tigers 24;
Thirlmere Roosters 26 Camden Rams 32.
Next Week
Camden v The Oaks (Sunday 3pm)
RESERVE GRADE
Picton Magpies 14 Oran Park Chargers 38;
Mittagong Lions 24 Appin Dogs 10.
Next Week
Picton v Mittagong (Sunday 1.10pm)
UNDER 18
Camden Rams 16 Campbelltown City 17;
Picton Magpies 22 Narellan Jets 34.
Next Week
Picton v Campbelltown City (Sunday 11.30am)
LEAGUE TAG 1
Narellan Jets 16 Oran Park Chargers 0;
City Blue Kangaroos 8 Thirlmere Roosters 6.
Next Week
Thirlmere v Narellan (Saturday 5.15pm)
LEAGUE TAG 2
Picton Magpies 14 Moss Vale Dragons 0;
The Oaks Tigers 8 City Gold Kangaroos 0.
Next Week
City Gold v Picton Magpies (Saturday 4pm)
SECOND DIVISION
Bundanoon Highlanders 24 Narellan Jets 22;
Warragamba Wombats 32 Campbelltown City 18.
Next Week
Campbelltown City v Bundanoon (Saturday 6.30pm)
- All matches this weekend at Thirlmere Sportsground.
