The first week of the 2017 finals series had everything, including a game being abandoned when a player suffered a serious injury five minutes into golden point.
With the scores locked 24-24 in the reserve grade qualifying final on Saturday night between Camden and Campbelltown a Rams player suffered a suspected neck injury and was rushed to hospital.
A decision was made to abandon the game, which will now be replayed this Tuesday evening from 7pm at the same ground, Harvey Shephard Field, Kirkham.
There were positive reports last night about the condition of the player injured.
In first grade Thirlmere and Camden emerged victorious and will head to week two full of confidence.
The Roosters ambushed the Campbelltown City Kangaroos, racing to an 18-0 lead before the 10th minute.
Apart from a bit of a revival in the second half, the Kangaroos never recovered and will now go into sudden death mode against Camden next Sunday.
Thirlmere booked a major semi final with Picton after demolishing the Kangaroos 36-20.
Camden on the other hand ground out a tough 18-10 win over Mittagong, who became the first team eliminated in week one. MIKE SHEAN reports:
The Roosters charged out of the blocks, with five-eighth Blake Sutton bagging three tries in the opening nine minutes.
Thirlmere kept the foot on the accelerator to bag two more tries in the first half.
Campbelltown City got on the scoreboard through a try to Ihaia Kohonui 18 minutes into the first stanza.
Coach Liam Fulton wasn’t overly upset at halftime, but prop Aaron Sweeney was animated at the break, urging his side to lift their effort in the second term.
But Thirlmere stayed in control until they had the game in the bag at 38-4.
Scoring was at a premium in the sudden death elimination semi final between Camden and Mittagong.
Just two tries were scored in the first 40 minutes, both to Camden, who wnet to the break leading 12-0.
Tough prop PJ Thornton scored for the Lions 17 minutes after play resumed, and the Lions were back in the game at 12-4.
When Camden scored again to push the gap to 12 points it appeared the Lions’ season was as good as over.
But the Lions roared one more time when Aiden Menzies scored with nine minutes to go to make 16-10 and game on.
Camden were finally home when a late penalty goal pushed their lead to eight points, which was a mountain too big to climb for Mittagong.
RESULTS – FIRST GRADE
Thirlmere Roosters 36 Campbelltown City 20;
Camden Rams 18 Mittagong Lions 10.
RESERVE GRADE
Narellan Jets 36 Picton Magpies 18
UNDER 18
Camden Rams 36 Campbelltown City 28;
Picton Magpies 54 Narellan Jets 10
LEAGUE TAG
Camden Rams 8 Oran Park Chargers 6;
Thirlmere Roosters 6 Campbelltown City 8.
SECOND DIVISION SHIELD
Picton Magpies 10 Robertson Spuddies 18 (Minor Semi Final)
SECOND DIVISION CUP
Appin Dogs 22 Oran Park Chargers 14 (Minor Semi Final)
WEEK TWO FINALS Saturday – Mittagong Sportsground
Bundanoon v Oran Park (Shield Major Semi – 12.15pm);
Thirlmere v Camden (LLT Minor Semi – 2pm);
Narellan v Campbelltown City (U18 Minor Semi – 3.30pm);
Robertson v Narellan (Cup Major Semi – 4.30pm);
Mittagong v Camden/Campbelltown City (Reserves Major Semi – 6pm).
SUNDAY – VICTORIA PARK, PICTON
Thirlmere v Picton (U/18 Major Semi – 9am);
Narellan v Campbelltown City (LLT Major Semi – 10.45am);
Camden/Campbelltown City v Narellan (Reserves Minor Semi – 11.45am);
Picton v Thirlmere (1sts Major Semi – 1.15pm);
Campbelltown City v Camden (1sts Minor Semi – 3pm).
