The last time Campbelltown City and Thirlmere had met was in the 2017 grand final at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
After an 80 minute battle worthy of a premiership decider, the Kangaroos prevailed 30-8 in winning their first Group 6 premiership in 34 years.
But in yesterday’s grand final replay at Thirlmere Sportsground it was the Roosters crowing at the completion of the round three clash after winning 52-28.
But just like the grand final seven months ago, the score was not a fair reflection of how the two teams performed, reports MIKE SHEAN, of Macarthur Sports Radio:
Thirlmere jumped out of the blocks, with two tries inside the opening 10 minutes.
Centre Justin Smith, who was damaging down the right hand side all day, opened the scoring, before winger Steve Kemp added another to have the home side leading 10-0.
Campbelltown City responded in a most decisive manner, with three tries of their own in an eight minute blitz.
Josea Leuea, Francis Faoagali, and hooker Matt Jones all crossed, stunning the Roosters, who suddenly found themselves trailing 18-10 mid-way through the opening term.
But it was raining four pointers in the first half and Thirlmere scored three more by the time the hooter went off for oranges
As a result, the Roosters went to the break with a 28-18 lead.
Roosters’ captain coach Jake Mullaney, who was injured and didn’t start for the home side, must have had some strong words for his side at halftime, as they came out more determined in the second half, and showed plenty of defensive muscle, stopping the Roos on several occasions in the second half.
They also cashed in when the opportunities arose, with Ritchie-Manns bagging a second and prop Anthony Cherrington getting a deserved try.
And while the result appeared beyond doubt with around 20 minutes remaining, Campbelltown City never gave up.
The final score of 52-28 doesn’t reflect the closeness of the contest, with neither side really dominating the match, and both having plenty to work on ahead of next week’s vital Round 4 matches.
Campbelltown City coach Isaac De Gois is still without a win after two matches,
Defence will be one area he will work on ahead of the round four clash with Mittagong at Tony Norton Field on Sunday.
RESULTS – round 3 – first grade
Oakdale Workers 10 Narellan Jets 44;
Moss Vale Dragons 16 Picton Magpies 24;
Mittagong Lions 30 Camden Rams 16;
Thirlmere Roosters 52 Campbelltown City 28.
Reserve Grade
Appin Dogs 20 Picton 18;
Oakdale 14 Narellan 40;
Mittagong 46 Camden 6;
Thirlmere 10 Campbelltown City 14;
The Oaks 18 Oran Park Chargers 20.
Under 18
Mt Annan Oakdale 22 Narellan 20;
Mittagong 6 Camden 34;
Thirlmere 36 Campbelltown City 12;
Moss Vale 32 Picton 27.
League Tag
Oakdale 0 Narellan 62;
Thirlmere 6 Campbelltown City 6;
Moss Vale 10 Picton 34;
Mittagong 0 City (2) 38;
The Oaks 0 Oran Park 52.
Second Division
Bowral Blues 40 Oran Park Chargers 12;
Thirlmere 6 Campbelltown City 40;
Bundanoon Highlanders 20 Picton 14.
NEXT WEEK – ROUND 4
Saturday 7.30pm:
Thirlmere v Oakdale
Sunday 2.30pm:
Campbelltown City v Mittagong
Camden v Picton
Narellan v Oakdale
