The Mittagong Lions claimed the Corkery-Andrews Cup after a hard fought 26-18 win over Campbelltown City on Sunday afternoon.
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It was an all action start to the match, with young half Kiel Edwards scoring for City after just seven minutes, but it was going to be a tough afternoon at the office, as Mittagong replied shortly after.
The Lions scored two tries in six minutes, with Jake Merceica and captain Regan Economos adding their name to the scorer’s sheet, giving the Lions a 10-6 lead.
City managed to hold pace with the Lions for much of the first half, as both sides settled into a tough style of football, with both sides knowing a win was vital for their finals chances.
As the halftime siren approached, Campbelltown City centre Josh Burke, who returned to the side today after injury, managed to get over the line to give the Roos’ fans something to cheer about.
Jett Karam then added the extras from near enough to the sideline, to give City a 12-10 lead at the break.
Neither side would have been confident heading into the rooms at halftime, and with a 2 point margin on the scoreboard, coaches Dan Beardshaw and Liam Fulton knew the game was there for the taking.
Mittagong opened the scoring 5 minutes after halftime, but Campbelltown City winger Steve Faoagali, who was damaging off his wing, scored a nice solo try to give City the lead once again, with 29 minutes remaining.
Both sides again settled in the rhythm of the match, with points coming at a premium in the second half. Handling was an issue for both sides, especially in key areas of the field.
Mittagong’s Tom Connick, who was a star at five eighth, and won the player’s player award after the game, sealed the win with two tries in a six minute period.
The Lions were able to hold on, for a determined 26-18 win over City.
Mittagong coach Dan Beardshaw, said it wasn’t the prettiest of wins from his side, but the result was more important than the style of play.
Beardshaw said he was relieved to escape with the two competition points, especially with a compact ladder in first grade, and knowing every win is vital in this year’s premiership.
Campbelltown City coach Liam Fulton was frustrated after the game, and said his side blew a golden chance to take top position on the ladder.
Reserve grade also clocked a win over City with a 40-6 scoreline.
The under-18s also suffered a loss with a 20-14 score.
The other round eight results saw Camden eventually defeat Narellan 30-20 at Crane Oval, while The Oaks defeated Oakdale 44-16 at Sid Sharpe Oval on Sunday, while Thirlmere defeated Picton 36-18 on Saturday night at Thirlmere Sportsground.
Ladder: 1- Picton Magpies, 2- City Kangaroos, 3- Camden Rams, 4- Mittagong Lions, 5- Thirlmere Roosters, 6- The Oaks Tigers, 7- Narellan jets, 8- Oakdale Workers.
-Michael Shean