Picton have wrapped up the minor premiership but with two rounds to go there is a fierce battle for top five spots.
The Magpies defeated Camden 22-12 to open up a six point gap with the rest of the field.
Camden Rams are sharing fifth spot with the Mittagong Lions, who were too good for Oakdale, winning 60-18.
The Oaks Tigers, who prevailed over Narellan Jets 22-10, are in equal second place alongside Thirlmere and Campbelltown.
Macarthur Sport Radio’s MIKE SHEAN reports on the dramatic victory to Campbelltown City Kangaroos at Thirlmere:
Campbelltown City kept their finals hopes alive after a hard fought 38-34 win over Thirlmere on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors started the match well, with centre Lucas MacDonald scoring the opening try of the match after 12 minutes.
Thirlmere struck back four minutes later when forward Dayne Craig bagged the first of his two tries in the opening 40 minutes.
Jordan Tongahai, who’s been impressive for the Roosters this year, also scored two tries to help the Roosters lead 16-6 in the 25th minute.
When Craig added his second from the ensuing set after Tongahai’s second try, the home side were ahead 22-6 and it appeared as though a cricket score was on the cards.
However, City didn’t read that script, and replied with two tries of their own before halftime.
Jett Karam scored with eight minutes before the break, and with Chris Williamson, who was impressive in the backrow, scoring on the siren, they reduced the deficit to just four points.
The teams went to the break with the home side leading 22-18.
If the first half was all action, the second provided even more for the fans at Thirlmere Sportsground. Roosters forward John Kite, who came off the bench, scored for the Roosters minutes after the restart, giving them a 28-18 lead.
Former Thirlmere forward Matt Jones, now in the blue and gold of City, sparked a comeback for the Roos, to have them within four points.
Minutes later, MacDonald scored his second, and levelled the scores at 28-28, with still 23 minutes remaining.
Thirlmere’s captain/coach Jake Mullaney, who led from the back, scored a nice solo try to restore the lead for the Roosters.
City restored parity at 34-34 when Raki Poaru scored with 10 minutes remaining, before impressive young winger Joey Peato scored a long range solo try, giving the Roos a 38-34 lead with eight minutes left.
Thirlmere and Campbelltown City both had chances to win the match, but neither could capitalise on them in the dying minutes, and the Kangaroos managed to escape with the win.
RESULTS – First grade
Camden Rams 12 Picton Magpies 22;
The Oaks Tigers 22 Narellan Jets 10;
Mittagong Lions 60 Oakdale Workers 18;
Thirlmere Roosters 34 Campbelltown City 38.
Reserve Grade
Camden 10 Picton 8;
The Oaks 6 Narellan 38;
Mittagong 54 Oakdale 12;
Thirlmere 34 Campbelltown City 42.
Under 18
Camden 6 Picton 48;
Moss Vale Dragons 24 Narellan 24;
Mittagong 10 Mt Annan/Oakdale 24;
Thirlmere 60 Campbelltown City 6.
League Tag
Camden 34 Oran Park 14;
The Oaks 0 Narellan 40;
Mittagong 14 Oakdale 20;
Thirlmere 16 Campbelltown City 16.
Second Division Cup
Robertson Spuddies 26 Oran Park Chargers 22;
Warragamba Wombats 22 Narellan Jets 24.
Second Division Shield
Robertson Spuddies 22 Oran Park Chargers 16;
Bundanoon Highlanders 14 Picton Magpies 0.
NEXT WEEK – Round 13:
Narellan vs Thirlmere (Saturday 7.30pm);
Oakdale vs Campbelltown City (Sunday 2.30pm)
♦ Both matches will be broadcast live on Macarthur Sports Radio.
