The Thirlmere Roosters have jumped to second on the Group Six Rugby League ladder after a hard fought 38-22 win over Camden on Sunday afternoon, MIKE SHEAN reports:
The Roosters didn’t have it all their own way in the round 11 match at Thirlmere Sportsground, with the visitors leading at the break.
Roosters’ captain coach Lelea Paea crossed after five minutes to open the scoring.
Camden second rower Toby Huxley replied soon after to level the scores at 4-4.
Camden’s acting captain and five eighth Chris Browne was the next to cross for a four pointer, which gave the Rams a 10-4 lead after 18 minutes of play.
Thirlmere winger Riley Nairn scored almost immediately after, and with young hooker Maverick Tweedie crossing minutes later, Thirlmere led 14-10 after 24 minutes, in what was an entertaining and free flowing match.
Browne’s side led at halftime, after winger Josh Goulton crossed down the narrow right edge for Camden with three minutes left in the first half, giving the visitors a 16-14 margin after 40 minutes.
Whatever Paea and assistant David Greene said in the Thirlmere rooms at the break worked, because the Roosters came out firing after halftime.
Nairn bagged his second seven minutes into the second half, before Jake Mullaney, who caused no end of problems for Camden all day, added his name to the scorer’s sheet with a try after 54 minutes.
Adrian Muscat and Josh Bryant also scored tries in a space of 19 minutes, with the game being put beyond doubt following Bryant’s brilliant solo effort, where he evaded several players before crossing under the posts with 14 minutes left.
Paea added a second with 11 minutes remaining, and at 38-16, the Roosters’ fans knew the result was safe for them.
Camden added a late consolation try with six minutes left on the clock, but that’s all it was.
Despite the win, Thirlmere captain/coach Lelea Paea would agree that his side will need to continue that form for the remainder of the season if they want to push teams like Picton into the finals and a possible Grand Final appearance.
Camden are lacking experience but their enthusiasm and effort couldn’t be questioned.
SNAPSHOT: Round 11 results, first grade:
The Oaks Tigers 26 Picton Magpies 32;
Mittagong Lions 26 Narellan Jets 26;
Oakdale Workers 44 Campbelltown City 26;
Thirlmere Roosters 38 Camden Rams 22.
Ladder: Picton 22; Thirlmere, Camden 14; The Oaks 12; Narellan 11; Campbelltown City 10; Oakdale 8; Mittagong 5.
Reserve Grade
The Oaks 18 Picton 16;
Mittagong 30 Narellan 4;
Oakdale 10 Campbelltown City 44;
Thirlmere 12 Camden 24.
Ladder: Picton 18; The Oaks 15; Narellan 12; Campbelltown City 11; Camden 10; Thirlmere 9; Mittagong 7; Oakdale 6.
Under 18
Moss Vale Dragons 8 Picton 24;
Mittagong 28 Narellan 8;
Thirlmere 6 Camden 40.
Ladder: Appin 18; Thirlmere 16; Camden, Mittagong 14; Narellan 13; Picton 7; Campbelltown City 6; Moss Vale 4.
Ladies League Tag
Mittagong 0 Mt Annan Barbarians 62;
Campbelltown City 80 Moss Vale 0;
Thirlmere 6 Camden 16.
Ladder: Campbelltown City 13; Mt Annan, Thirlmere, Camden 12; The Oaks 11; Moss Vale 4; Mittagong 2.
Second Division
Moss Vale Dragons 18 Picton Magpies 4;
Bargo Bunnies 18 Narellan Jets 28;
Robertson Spuddies 38 Mt Annan Knights 6.
Warragamba vs Appin deferred.
Ladder: Robertson 16; Warragamba 13; Narellan 12; Picton 8; Mt Annan 6; Moss Vale 5; Bargo 4.
NEXT WEEK ROUND 12 FIRST GRADE SUNDAY 2.30PM:
Campbelltown City vs Thirlmere;
Camden vs The Oaks;
Mittagong vs Oakdale;
Picton vs Narellan.
♦ Camden vs The Oaks will be the Group Six League Live Broadcast match by Mike Shean and the commentary team, with coverage from 2pm Sunday. To listen to it visit the website link here.
