Picton have sent an ominous message to the rest of Group Six that they will ruthlessly defend their premiership crown, reports MIKE SHEAN.
On Saturday night the 2015 premiers recorded a comprehensive 42-10 win over Camden, the team they overpowered to win the title in last year’s decider.
Camden would have been hoping for victory over Picton to put the icing on the cake on a night when they renamed their main field in honour of long time club stalwart Harvey Shephard.
It was also the home team’s annual sponsors night, but obviously the visitors hadn’t read the script because they dominated the grand final replay from go to whoa.
And it didn’t take long for the Magpies to draw first blood.
A Camden error resulted in Jack Twist scoring the first four pointer for the visitors.
Picton could have added to that shortly afterwards but five eighth Don Thompson lost possession over the line.
When Dean Collis crossed for Camden following a nice move down the Camden right hand side the home crowd cheered what they hoped was the start of domination by the Rams.
Unfortunately for the home team, the premiers were the next to score, Rory Vale touching down after a solo run downfield.
Again this was the result of a Camden error and had Picton leading 12-4 after 19 minutes into the first stanza.
But just when it looked like the floodgates would open both sides then settled into a defensive rhythm of play.
Other than a disallowed try to Picton at the 30 minute mark, scoring dried up for almost 20 minutes.
But three minutes from oranges Rory Vale bagged his second four pointer to help his team to an imposing lead and seemingly control of the match.
Two sent to the sin bin after scuffle
A scuffle on the stroke of halftime resulted in each team losing one player to the sin bin.
Camden’s Matt Applebee and Picton captain Kenny Ahovelo were given their marching orders after the incident.
Picton were awarded the ensuing penalty, which was converted to give them an 18-4 halftime lead.
And when play resumed the premiers put their foot down because they quickly extended their lead to 20 points when Josh McIlvenny scored a try.
Camden were struggling to regain some momentum when Ryan Borg succumbed to a leg injury and was carried off the field.
With his brother and coach Scott not playing due to injury, Borg’s departure was almost the final nail for the home side.
It was no surprise to see the Magpies swoop to finish off the Rams.
Tries to Don Thompson and Michael Lett on the final siren completed the job for Picton.
Camden’s lone consolation second half try to debutant Jake Scott eight minutes before time was too little, too late.
Picton co-coach Bryce Poisel said he was happy with his team’s form overt the past two rounds, which includes a big win over The Oaks.
“The boys are showing consistency in the last two matches,’’ he said.
“They are starting to hit some good form.’’
GROUP SIX RESULTS:
First Grade
Oakdale Workers 28 Mittagong Lions 22;
Camden Rams 10 Picton Magpies 42;
Moss Vale Dragons 10 Narellan Jets 36;
Thirlmere Roosters 40 Campbelltown City 6.
The Oaks Tigers – Bye
Ladder: Picton*, Thirlmere, Camden 8; Oakdale*, Campbelltown City, Narellan 6; The Oaks 4; Mittagong 2; Moss Vale 0.
*Game in hand
Reserve Grade
Oakdale 8 Mittagong 12;
Appin Dogs 38 The Oaks Tigers 12;
Camden 6 Picton 28;
Moss Vale 6 Narellan 74;
Thirlmere 26 Campbelltown City 26.
Ladder: Picton* 8; Thirlmere 7; Narellan, The Oaks 6; Campbelltown City 5; Mittagong, Oakdale*, Appin 4; Camden 2; Moss Vale 0.
*Game in hand
Under 18
Camden 18 Picton 18;
Moss Vale 14 Narellan 26;
Thirlmere 88 Campbelltown City 8.
League Tag
Camden 88 Mittagong 0;
Moss Vale 6 Mt Annan Barbarians 52;
Thirlmere 6 Campbelltown City 4
Second Division
Mt Annan Knights 30 Bargo Bunnies 18;
Warragamba Wombats 32 Narellan Jets 10.
Robertson vs Picton, deferred.
Next Week – First grade round 6 (All Sunday 2.30pm)
The Oaks vs Moss Vale;
Campbelltown City vs Oakdale;
Camden vs Thirlmere;
Narellan vs Mittagong.
Picton Bye
