As expected, Picton have booked their place in the 2015 Group Six Rugby League Grand Final after a dogged and gritty 32-18 win over The Oaks Tigers on Sunday afternoon, reports MIKE SHEAN.
The Magpies were forced to earn their ticket into next weekend’s decider at Campbelltown Sports Stadium against the Camden Rams.
Yesterday they had to overcome a determined Tigers outfit for the full 80 minutes.
Picton skipped out to an early lead through tries to Nick Taylor, back from injury, seven minutes into the match and five minutes later to Don Thompson.
With Magpies leading 10-0 the signs were not good for the locals.
Thompson’s second try saw Picton extend their lead to 16-0, but the Tigers were still in the match, despite the scoreline.
The Oaks were battling injuries along with the scoreboard, with prop Ross Brown and centre Mick Brasington both playing on despite what appeared to be serious injuries.
The Tigers were able to claw their way back into the match through a try to Nathan Rumsby on the stroke of halftime, and the score read 16-6 in favour of Picton when the teams went into the rooms.
Many at the ground would have thought the Tigers would have had a chance, if they could score first in the second half.
However, Picton captain Michael Lett had other ideas, and crossed early in the second term to extend the lead to 22-6.
Braydan Goulding replied for the Tigers minutes later, and despite being 22-12 behind the Tigers would still have believed they had a chance of winning the match.
However, as seemed to be the case all afternoon, Picton were able to keep the Tigers at bay, with centre Josh McIlvenny, and then winger Rory Vale crossing to extend the lead to 32-12, with still around 20 minutes remaining.
Mitchell Brasington scored a nice try five minutes before fulltime, but it turned out to be nothing more than a consolation try, with the final siren seeing Picton win 32-18 over the Tigers.
Picton co-coach Bryce Poisel was a relieved man after the win, admitting his side had to work hard to defeat The Oaks.
Poisel said his side’s defence, which was impressive in their win over The Oaks, will need to contain the Camden forwards if they’re to lift a third Premiership next weekend.
Poisel praised hooker Anthony Provost, along with Jakiel Marinor and Don Thompson, who steered the side well from five eighth, as the better players in their win over the Tigers.
Poisel began focusing on the Grand Final against arch rival Camden, admitting the Magpies will be focusing on the Rams’ attack, and shutting down Scott Borg and Chris Browne next week.
Tigers coach Mitchell Brasington was unavailable for comment, but would have been proud of his side’s efforts through the latter stages of the season, and into the finals series.
RESULTS:
Under 18 (2) – The Oaks Tigers 16 Campbelltown City 45.
Under 18 (1) – Camden Rams 36 Thirlmere Roosters 24.
Second Division – Narellan Jets White 18 Robertson Spuddies 12.
Reserve Grade – Picton Magpies 10 Oakdale Workers 12.
First Grade – Picton Magpies 32 The Oaks Tigers 18.
GRAND FINALS – Sunday, September 13, Campbelltown Sports Stadium:
Under 18 (2) – 8.30am: Mittagong Lions vs Campbelltown City
Second Division – 10.10am: Mt Annan Knights vs Narellan Jets White
Under 18 (1) – 11.50am: Campbelltown City vs Camden Rams
Reserve Grade – 1.30pm: Camden Rams vs Oakdale Workers
First Grade – 3.15pm: Camden Rams vs Picton Magpies
