The Mittagong Lions under 18s had their finals hopes dashed on the weekend.
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The team went up against the Picton Magpies and was defeated 12-30 at Mittagong Sports Ground on Sunday, August 20.
The Lions under 18s finished sixth on the group six ladder.
Lions under 18s coach Cameron Brown said despite the loss to the Magpies, he was satisfied with the team’s performance.
“They tried their hardest,” Brown said.
“It was a tough, physical game. [The Lions] held on but Picton was the better side.”
A win for the Lions under 18s looked promising, after a 54-16 victory against third-placed Camden Rams on Sunday, August 13.
“It’s taken all year,” Brown said.
“They were like a totally different team [during the game against the Rams], and they could do no wrong.
“They had a massive lead, but they kept on scoring.”
Despite the Lions’ best efforts, the team was unable to replicate its previous performance to claim a win over the Magpies.
Brown said in each game against the Magpies during the season, the team was very hard team to beat.
“They were a tough side,” Brown said.
“Every time we played them, it was a physical game.”
After half-time, the Magpies scored two tries, which depleted the Lions’ spirits.
Mittagong’s Patrick Brown, Joshua Harrison, Riley Keeley and Rick Thorne kept up the morale of the team with their positive attitudes.
“[The Lions] didn’t give up,” Brown said.
“They kept the Mittagong spirit alive and rolled on.”
Brown said there were many highs and lows during the season.
“It’s been an up and down year, with blokes starting work and not turning up for training,” Brown said.
“It’s been a fantastic side and a great team to coach.
“I’m 100 per cent proud of them, and they’ve done the club proud.”
The Thirlmere Roosters, Picton Magpies, Camden Rams, Narellan Jets and City Kangaroos came in ahead of the Lions under 18s on the group six ladder.
The Moss Vale Dragons and Mt Annan/Oakdale finished below the Lions under 18s team.