It has been a long time between drinks for the Campbelltown City Kangaroos rugby league club.
The last time they played in a Group Six grand final was in 1983, so that makes it 34 years.
And the Kangaroos are not there yet, despite eliminating the 2016 premiers Camden Rams on the weekend with a gutsy 24-18 win.
Campbelltown went into the sudden death clash without their suspended prop Aaron Sweeney.
And as if that wasn’t enough of a blow, tough winger Steve Faoagali was a late withdrawl with injury.
But it must have lifted the proud club to see Dallas Grieco, who had played the night before in the reserves semi, drive to Picton to fill in admirably for Faoagali.
But having dismantled the premiers, the Kangaroos are in for another tough assignment this weekend when they face competition colossus Picton Magpies in the preliminary final.
The equation for Campbelltown and first year coach Liam Fulton is simple: beat the Magpies at Dudley Chesham Oval, The Oaks and they’re in their first grand final for 34 years.
Their Ladies Tag and Reserve Grade teams will also challenge for grand final berths in this Sunday’s preliminary finals at The Oaks, so there should be plenty of support for the Kangaroos, whose game against Picton will kick off at 3pm.
Against Camden yesterday back to back errors put Campbelltown on the back foot and the Rams pounced to lead 6-0 early.
Tries to Jett Karam and tyro prop PJ Leifi had the blue and gold leading 12-6, but a late try to Camden meant the scores were tied 12-12 after 40 minutes.
A penalty goal helped the Roos to a 14-12 lead in the second half but Camden hit back to regain the ascendancy at 18-14.
In response, two quick tries to Jett Karam and Chris Williamson saw the Campbelltown boys ahead by a converted try and 15 minutes on the clock.
And that was the final score at the hooter – 24-18 to Campbelltown, who were best served by PJ Leifi.
♦ In the earlier semi final, Thirlmere surprised many by defeating Picton 24-10 and booking their berth in the 2017 grand final, reports MIKE SHEAN of Macarthur Sports Radio.
The Roosters had to work hard for victory though, with no points in the opening 25 minutes as solid defence from both sides resulted in one of the highest intensity games seen in recent memory.
Thirlmere opened the scoring, eventually, through captain/coach Jake Mullaney, before Dayne Craig, playing in a roving and rotating role with Neddy Saleh, also scored and suddenly Thirlmere led 10-0.
Picton, to their credit, kept fighting, and with a vocal home crowd urging them on, managed to score with the halftime siren about to sound.
Luke Bonnell added another try just after halftime, and with 35 minutes left in the match Thirlmere led 16-4.
Picton, however, weren’t about to roll over, with some big hits on the Thirlmere side, making sure they knew they were in a fight for the premiership.
A penalty to Eddie Paea, who steered the Roosters around beautifully, before a try to Riley Nairn, gave Thirlmere a 24-4 lead inside the final 15 minutes.
Picton scored the final points of the match through a try to forward Zac McInnes, with the final scoreline reading 24-10 in favour of the Roosters.
RESULTS – FIRST GRADE
Campbelltown City 24 Camden Rams 18;
Picton Magpies 10 Thirlmere Roosters 24
RESERVE GRADE
Mittagong Lions 48 Campbelltown City 14;
Camden Rams 22 Narellan Jets 14
UNDER 18
Narellan Jets 28 Campbelltown City 6;
Thirlmere Roosters 24 Picton Magpies 16
LEAGUE TAG
Thirlmere Roosters 12 Camden Rams 10;
Narellan Jets 16 Campbelltown City 4
SECOND DIVISION CUP
Robertson Spuddies 16 Narellan Jets 17
SECOND DIVISION SHIELD
Bundanoon Highlanders 42 Oran Park Chargers 30
NEXT WEEK Preliminary Finals – Dudley Chesham Oval, The Oaks
Campbelltown City v Thirlmere (League Tag – 6.30pm Saturday);
Oran Park v Robertson (Shield – 7.30pm Saturday)
Picton v Narellan (U/18 – 9.45am Sunday);
Robertson v Appin (Cup – 11.30am Sunday);
Campbelltown City v Camden (Reserves – 1.15pm Sunday);
Picton v Campbelltown City (Firsts – 3pm Sunday).
