It was a weekend of wins and losses for the Mittagong Lions.
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In the clubs opening round of matches for the 2020 season, the Lions shook off the COVID pandemic delayed season rust, and roared into action.
Mittagong Lion's seniors president, Matthew Aiken said just seeing the players on the paddock again was great to see.
Read More: Rugby League returns after long delays
"The first week back was exceptional," Aiken said.
"The safety and well being of our players is paramount to us here at the Lions. It was just so satisfying to see them all playing football again in such a tough year.
"I couldn't be happier, all the ducks lined up thank god. Beautiful weather, a great well behaved crowd and some exciting football made for an amazing day.
"All the hard work everyone from both clubs put in has certainly paid off."
In his debut season at the helm, Aiken said this COVID riddled, delayed season has been tough, but he's surrounded by excellent people.
"It's certainly been a different year in terms of running a footy club," Aiken said.
"It has been incredibly tough. I can honestly say our committee has worked harder this year than in a regular football season, but we would all do it again in a heartbeat just to see our teams playing.
"I have surrounded myself with some amazing people. I couldn't of handpicked a more hardworking committee. To say I have been blessed is a understatement.
"We still have lots to do and games to play, so there's no taking the foot of the pedal just yet."
The Lions had some great wins and difficult losses. But, Aiken knows losing teams will bounce back and winning teams, this is just the beginning of great things ahead.
"The highlight of the weekend was definitely our Ladies Tackle team," Aiken said.
"They took to the field for the very first time, and were very impressive to say the least.
"It wasn't that long ago this side was short on numbers, had no real preseason, and some girls haven't even played before.
"On top of that, we come up against last years grand finalists in Thirlmere!
"They seriously deserve the keys to Mittagong after the performance they all put in. Congratulations girls and super coach Corey.
"I'm certainly not going to make a tonne of excuses for the grade sides.
"First game back we just happened to come up against two very talented teams and full credit goes to Thirlmere, we knew it was never going to be easy.
"I know the boys are disappointed enough without me rubbing salt into the wound. The boy's spirits were low particularly the first graders after the game and rightly so.
"We got touched up big time. We will bundle up all the positives from both grades and believe me there were plenty and move forward."
I have surrounded myself with some amazing people. I couldn't of handpicked a more hardworking committee. To say i have been blessed is a understatement.
- Mittagong Lion's seniors president, Matthew Aiken.
Lion's teams will be facing Oakdale at 'The Den' in Mittagong this Sunday (August 9) and coaches have been prepping all week long, and players are roaring to go.
"The coaches of both teams couldn't get their hands on the game day videos quick enough," Aiken said.
"Monday morning they were preparing for this Sunday at 'The Den' against Oakdale.
"I'm hoping this weekend we witness competitive, injury free football and wins across all teams playing!
"That isn't too much to ask for is it? (laughs)."
For more information and game times, please head to the Mittagong Lion's Facebook pages.
Seniors: www.facebook.com/MittagongLionsSRLFC
Juniors: www.facebook.com/MLJRLFC
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