The first grade team qualified for the finals and has been scheduled to play Camden in the next game.

The reserve grade finished the regular season as minor premiers.

The team took on the Picton Magpies with a 20-10 result to Picton at Mittagong Sportsground on Sunday, August 20.

The reserve grade will need to bounce back in two weeks’ time for a chance to claim the reserve grade shield.

Mittagong Junior Lions secretary Billy Hayward said Picton was the better team on the day.

“In the end Picton wanted it more,” Hayward said. 

“I’ve got no doubt they’ll be a dark horse in the competition.”

There was also an old boy’s day held during the games.

The old boys watched the reserve grade team play, and Tony Farrell and Brett Ibel offered some words of wisdom to the team.

Stand-out reserve grade players on the field included Daniel Wright for his dedication to the club as well as Simon Reid and Aiden Menzies for their leadership on the field during the game.

The afternoon was much easier for the first grade Lions team, knowing its position in the top five was safe, but neither side took their final match for granted.

Mittagong went down to Picton 30-16 at Mittagong Sportsground, in front of a vocal home crowd.

Mittagong fought hard all afternoon, with their forwards, led by Mitch Eccleston, PJ Thornton and Adam Jeffrey, laying an excellent platform for attack.

Unfortunately for the Lions, Picton’s defence was too strong, ensuring the home side could only manage three tries all afternoon.

The one concern for Mittagong coach Dan Beardshaw, was an ankle injury to backrower Jesse Elliott.

Elliott was taken to hospital for treatment, with initial reports suggesting a dislocated ankle to the hardworking forward.

The next games will be held on September 2.