Thirlmere Roosters have returned to the winners’ list after a hard fought 26-18 win over Oakdale on Sunday afternoon.
In the other Round 7 results, Narellan defeated Campbelltown City 38-24 at Tony Norton Field, while The Oaks recorded a 26-16 win over Mittagong at Mittagong Sportsground, reports MIKE SHEAN.
The Roosters started on fire at Sid Sharpe Oval, in perfect autumn conditions, with five eighth Brett Lahey scoring after just three minutes, and big Sione Kaivelata getting the first of his double inside 10 minutes on the clock.
Oakdale managed to open their scoring after 21 minutes, when Shane Lalofagua crossed, but he was unable to replicate his efforts, picking up an injury just before halftime and not returning in the second half.
Thirlmere’s Riley Nairn restored the lead approaching halftime, with a nice try, giving the healthy crowd of Roosters supporters hope, with a 16-4 lead at the break.
Kaivelata bagged his second early in the second half, before Oakdale winger Matt Lee returned serve for the locals, giving some cause for concern in the visitors camp, with the scoreline reading 22-8 with over 30 minutes left.
The sides then settled into the battle, with scoring coming at a premium for much of the second half. Neither team would have been happy with their completion rate, with errors appearing through the term, especially affecting Oakdale in attacking positions.
Oakdale managed a late try through Ryan Clarke, while Thirlmere responded through captain/coach Lelea Paea, restoring the 14 point margin with 11 minutes left.
A consolation try to Oakdale’s representative player Brad Hopkins made the final scoreline 26-18 in favour of Thirlmere.
Paea was relieved with the result when speaking after the game on Sunday.
“We were made to work for the win against a tough Oakdale outfit,’’ he said.
“Our pack was the difference in getting over a tough Oakdale pack, but there is plenty of work to be done at training.’’
Paea said his side also needed to work on their completion rate ahead of their next match with Narellan at home.
“We also have to ensure we compete for 80 minutes each week,’’ he said.
Paea praised his front rowers Tovo and Jayden Merchant, while Kaivelata, Brett Lahey and halfback Nathan Potts also played well for the Roosters.
Brad Hopkins was among the best for Oakdale, along with George Peterson and Ricky Small, who made good ground all afternoon.
♦The Greater Southern Stars are through to the semi finals of the CRL Country Championships after a 32-20 win over Western Rams on Saturday afternoon at Kirkham Park, Camden.
The Greater Southern Ladies League Tag side also recorded a nice win over Western in the opening match of the day, defeating the Rams 30-6. They will also progress to next week’s semi finals, which will be played in Apex Oval, Dubbo.
GROUP SIX RESULTS:
First Grade – Campbelltown City 24 Narellan Jets 38;
Mittagong Lions 16 The Oaks Tigers 26;
Oakdale Workers 18 Thirlmere Roosters 26.
Reserve Grade – Appin Dogs 14 Camden Rams 8;
Campbelltown City 12 Narellan 38;
Mittagong 18 The Oaks 18;
Oakdale 20 Thirlmere 24.
Under 18 – Appin 18 Camden 4;
Campbelltown City 16 Narellan 32;
Picton 16 Moss Vale 20.
League Tag – Mittagong 8 The Oaks 34;
Mt Annan Barbarians 6 Thirlmere 4.
Second Division – Narellan Jets 18 Warragamba Wombats 16;
Bargo Bunnies 0 Robertson Spuddies 42;
Moss Vale Dragons 10 Mt Annan Knights 16.
Next Week – Round 8
The Oaks vs Campbelltown City (Saturday 7.30pm);
Mittagong vs Picton;
Oakdale vs Camden;
Thirlmere vs Narellan (all Sunday 2.30pm).
