JUST one more win is all Moss Vale need.
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The Dragons are on track to break their 20-year title drought after they held onto to beat Thirlmere 24-18 in the West/Group 6 first grade qualifying semi-final at Moss Vale yesterday.
The win has set up the appetising prospect of Mittagong and the Dragons battling for a grand final spot in the preliminary final at Picton on September12.
Mittagong take on East Campbelltown this Saturday after the Eagles lost to Oakdale 28-14 in the other semi-final.
The Dragons led from start to finish against their old rivals but some poor right hand side defence let the Roosters back in.
Moss Vale led 12-6 at the half courtesy of tries to player-coach Willie Mac Donald and Josh Champion.
Dan Drewe extended the lead after the break by carrying several Roosters with him over the line before Robbie Noble scored off a Mark Delamont break to push the lead out to 24-6.
But the Roosters didn’t give in.
First Bruce Alderson scored in the corner after Issac Loader gave him a mile of space on the outside. Then Moss Vale High sports teacher and Roosters skipper Matt Carlyon crossed for his second to close the gap to just one converted try in the dying minutes.
Thirlmere had one last crack after kicking the ball into touch from a 20-metre tap but it was too little too late.
MacDonald said it was the team’s best defensive effort of the year.
“Great effort from the boys,” he said.
“We dug in there right to the last minute so we had a lot of defence.”
MacDonald said Thirlmere’s fight back didn’t worry him.
“I was nervous but I always had faith in the boys. A few too many mistakes but that’s footy. We showed guts and determination and played for one another.
“Our defence was awesome.”
MacDonald said the chance to play Mittagong for a grand final spot would be a bonus.
“At the end of day you play whoever is in front of you...Great thing to play Mittagong,” he said.
In reserve grade Moss Vale play Thirlmere at Narellan this Saturday after the Roosters lost to Campbelltown Collegians 24-12. All Saints play East City after they lost 26-6 over to Campbelltown City.
