Moss Vale recorded their first win of the season with a 38-22 upset win over the previously unbeaten Narellan Jets on Saturday night.
The same can’t be said of last year’s premiers Campbelltown City, who remain winless after six rounds.
The Kangaroos suffered their fifth loss of the season when they went down 28-18 to Camden at Fullwood Reserve.
That wonderful 2017 grand final victory over Thirlmere Roosters at Campelltown Sports Stadium last September is now a distant memory for the grand old club of Group Six.
Nobody’s writing the Kangaroos off just yet, but they need to start winning soon.
Next Sunday they host The Oaks Tigers at Fullwood Reserve, in what is a good opportunity to kick start their season.
Not that the Tigers will be pushovers, especially after clawing their way to a 30-28 away win over the Lions at Mittagong on Sunday.
The Tigers came from behind to record their third win of the season, reports MIKE SHEAN, of Macarthur Sports Radio:
Mittagong came out of the blocks strongly, and scored after just eight minutes through winger Geoff McKeown to lead 6-0.
They scored again in the 25th minute through impressive front rower Rhys Neil. He made several strong runs in the first half, often breaking the Tigers’ line and creating second phase play for the Lions.
When flying winger Hayden Wallace scored his first try a few minutes later, the Lions led 16-0 and were in total control of the match.
Captain Regan Economos crossed for the home side six minutes before halftime, pushing the locals further out in front at 20-0.
But Tigers replacement Hayden Bunce forced his way over just before the halftime break to give the visitors a glimmer of hope as they headed to the rooms 20-6 down.
Wallace bagged his second immediately after the resumption of play to extend the Lions’ lead to 24-6.
It appeared at that stage that the contest was as good as over, but Tigers captain coach Mitchell Brasington and his team had other ideas.
The visitors patiently worked their way back into the game and just five minutes later the captain coach’s brother and centre Michael Brasington scored.
This helped reduce he benefit but also swung momentum back the Tigers’ way.
Hard working hooker Ryan Russell, who was dangerous all afternoon, scored on the hour mark, giving the visitors some further impetus, before Mitchell Brasington and back rower-cum-centre Ben Scambary added their names to the scoresheet in a 12-minute period.
All of a sudden the visitors were leading and time was running out for the Lions.
The Oaks Tigers hung on to their 30-28 lead to pick up the vital two premiership points, which pushed them into the top five on the ladder.
Their front rower James Kovac was outstanding all day, Mitchell Brasington was excellent in directing his side around all day, while brother Matthew steered them around at halfback.
Mittagong were well served by Neil and Aaron Sweeney, while Jake Merceica was dangerous from hooker and Economos made several damaging runs from the centres.
RESULTS – ROUND 6 – FIRST GRADE
Narellan Jets 22 Moss Vale Dragons 38;
Campbelltown City 18 Camden Rams 28;
Mittagong Lions 28 The Oaks Tigers 30;
Oakdale Workers 16 Picton Magpies 48.
RESERVE GRADE
Narellan 12 Appin Dogs 14;
Campbelltown City 18 Camden 28;
Mittagong 34 The Oaks 12;
Oakdale 4 Picton 70;
Thirlmere 14 Oran Park Chargers 50.
UNDER 18
Narellan 22 Moss Vale 22;
Campbelltown City 0 Camden 38;
Mt Annan Oakdale 4 Picton 30;
Thirlmere 30 Warragamba Wombats 24.
Thirlmere 16 Picton 26 (May 11, deferred match)
LEAGUE TAG
Campbelltown City 8 Camden 6;
Oakdale 0 Picton 24;
Thirlmere 4 Oran Park 6;
Mittagong 0 The Oaks 22.
SECOND DIVISION
Narellan 20 Bundanoon Highlanders 10;
Campbelltown City 30 Oran Park 16;
Thirlmere 16 Warragamba 42.
NEXT WEEK – ROUND 7 FIRST GRADE, SUNDAY 2.30pm
Moss Vale v Oakdale (Community Oval);
Campbelltown City v The Oaks (Fullwood Reserve);
Thirlmere v Mittagong (Thirlmere Sportsground);
Picton v Narellan (Victoria Park).
