Picton secured the minor premiership, while Camden and Mittagong have thrown the Group 6 Rugby League Premiership wide open after a 20-20 draw – Macarthur Sports Radio’s MIKE SHEAN reports from another dramatic weekend of footy across the south west.
The two feature matches of the round saw a 10 point win to the Magpies on Saturday night, while Camden and Mittagong couldn’t be separated after 80 minutes in a thriller at Harvey Shephard Field.
Picton’s win over The Oaks has left the Tigers in a precarious position, following Sunday’s results, as the Tigers are now out of the Top Five, with percentages keeping them in sixth position.
The Oaks had to work hard against the Magpies at Victoria Park, and got to within 4 points, but couldn’t get over the top of Picton, who did enough to win 32-22.
With a vocal, and healthy home crowd on their side, the Magpies clawed back an early deficit, and thanks to a double from Michael Lett, came home to win by 10 in the end.
Tigers coach Mitchell Brasington would have been disappointed with the result, but would know they have a second chance, and will now need to win against Thirlmere to make the finals.
Brasington was instrumental in the comeback from the Tigers, along with Shaun Finnerty at half, and young hooker Kyle Bell, who sparked the Tigers across the 80 minutes for his forwards, led by Chris Vaotuua.
Sunday saw a desperate battle between Camden and Mittagong at Harvey Shephard Field, and both sides knew the importance of the match, with only percentages separating the sides at the start of the day.
Sadly, for both teams, that’s how they ended the day, following a 20-20 draw, their second in as many meetings this year, but have both climbed at least one position on the ladder, and sit inside the Top Five, with one round remaining.
The match, for supporters and neutrals alike, was a thriller, with tough, uncompromising defence, strategic kicking, and attacking raids, which led to scoring and desperate defence at different times.
Camden centre Dylan Noble was impressive for the Rams, with two tries to his name.
Noble also made several threatening raids, which asked a lot of questions of the Mittagong defence.
Mittagong’s Ben Powell and Ash Brown also bagged doubles, with Powell’s second being a long range try, while many players from both sides came together in a scuffle.
Powell played to the whistle, and the resulting try began the comeback from the Lions, who trailed 20-10 at the time.
The draw has resulted in three Round 14 clashes this coming weekend featuring teams inside the top six.
Only minor premiers Picton are guaranteed a finals berth, with Thirlmere and Campbelltown City now nervously awaiting their final regular season matches, knowing they are no longer safe, and will need to win to keep their positions in a thrilling end to the season.
RESULTS – ROUND 13B
First Grade
Picton Magpies 32 The Oaks Tigers 22;
Camden Rams 20 Mittagong Lions 20.
RESERVE GRADE
Picton 8 The Oaks 10;
Camden 14 Mittagong 22.
UNDER 18
Picton 50 Moss Vale Dragons 4;
Camden 16 Mittagong 54.
LEAGUE TAG
Oran Park Chargers 32 The Oaks 0;
Camden 64 Mittagong 0.
SECOND DIVISION CUP
Robertson Spuddies 6 Warragamba Wombats 4;
Appin Dogs 6 Oran Park Chargers 36.
SECOND DIVISION SHIELD
Bundanoon Highlanders 6 Robertson Spuddies 4;
Bargo Bunnies 16 Oran Park Chargers 16.
NEXT WEEK – ROUND 14 – FIRST GRADE
Thirlmere v The Oaks (Saturday 7.30pm);
Campbelltown City vs Camden
Mittagong vs Picton
Oakdale vs Narellan (All Sunday at 2.30pm).
*Macarthur Sports Radio will be broadcasting Thirlmere v The Oaks, and at least one match on Sunday. Details will be provided on the Sunday match via the website and Facebook page.
