Magpies on top after shutting out Roosters

Picton have returned to the top of the Group 6 Rugby League ladder, following a hard fought 36-8 win over Thirlmere on Sunday afternoon, reports MIKE SHEAN, of Macarthur Sports Radio.

A tough and physical match, it was played between the 20m lines for most of the 80 minutes.

Michael Lett, who led from the fullback position, scored the opening try after only three minutes to give the home side a 6-0 start.

But the Roosters fought their way back into the match and wrestled momentum away from the Magpies.

Thirlmere winger Allan Shipley scored in the 24th minutes to give the visiting fans something to cheer about.

Picton blew the game wide open in a nine-minute period either side of halftime, when they scored three tries to kill off any chance of a Roosters win.

Second rower Blake Ritchie scored on 32 minutes, giving the Magpies a 12-4 lead, before forward Kenny Ahovelo crossed for his first try of the day three minutes before halftime.

The Magpies led 18-4 at the break, but made it 24-4 shortly after play resumed, courtesy of a try by winger Matthew Dengate.

Thirlmere fought back through lock Jordan Tongahai to reduce the deficit to 24-8.

There were only two more scoring plays in the match, with both going the way of the home side, thanks to forwards Kenny Ahovelo and Jakiel Fuimaono.

The standouts for the home side included Lett, halfback Tim Dengate, young five eighth Daniel Payne, Fuimaono off the bench and Ahovelo.

Picton will take plenty of confidence from the win, especially knowing they still have plenty of room for improvement.

Thirlmere on the other hand will be looking to bounce back next weekend.

Last year’s losing grand finalists have a raft of players returning from injuries, making for a pleasant selection headache for coach Jake Mullaney, who is on the injured list himself.

RESULTS – ROUND 10 – FIRST GRADE

Camden Rams 34 Narellan Jets 22;

Mittagong Lions 64 Moss Vale Dragons 6;

Picton Magpies 36 Thirlmere Roosters 8.

The Oaks and Campbelltown City – Bye.

Ladder: Picton, Thirlmere 16; Mittagong, The Oaks 14; Camden 13; Narellan 10; Campbelltown City 8; Moss Vale 7.

RESERVE GRADE

The Oaks 42 Oakdale 6;

Oran Park 30 Campbelltown City 26;

Camden 14 Narellan 18;

Mittagong 50 Appin 12;

Picton 40 Thirlmere 4.

UNDER 18

Camden 14 Narellan 18;

Mittagong 28 Moss Vale 22;

Picton 20 Thirlmere 18;

Warragamba 8 Campbelltown City 42.

LEAGUE TAG

Oran Park 12 City Blue 18;

The Oaks 14 Oakdale 0;

Picton 4 City Gold 4;

Camden 12 Narellan 6;

Mittagong 18 Moss Vale 0.

SECOND DIVISION

Oran Park 24 Narellan 38;

Picton 22 Thirlmere 20;

Warragamba 28 Campbelltown City 16.

Bundanoon v Bowral abandoned due to injury. Match to be replayed.

 NEXT WEEK – ROUND 11 – FIRST GRADE SUNDAY 2.30PM

Moss Vale v The Oaks;

Campbelltown City v Narellan;

Mittagong v Picton;

Thirlmere v Camden