After one too many barren winters the Mittagong Lions are back as an established force in Group 6 rugby league.
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An impressive 39-18 over back-to-back reigning champions Thirlmere Roosters confirmed what many believed, that the Lions are are genuine chance at claiming their first title since 1995.
It's a welcome change for fans at The Den, who also haven't seen their side contest a grand final since 2014.
Last Sunday's result not only saw Mittagong rise to third on the ladder with two games in hand but also showed just how dangerous an opponent they've become.
The Lions ran in seven tries to three at Thirlmere Sports Ground in what was a tight encounter before superior fitness saw the Highlands side pull away.
Mittagong President Matt Aiken said while he was very pleased with the result, the side were focused on ensuring they can do it at the business end of the campaign.
"It feels good to be competitive against the leagues' best, I'd be lying if I said it didn't," Aiken told the Southern Highland News.
"The last thing we will do though is start looking at the ladder. There is a tonne of football to be played yet. We have set our expectations incredibly high, that win just lets us put a little tick beside another goal we set as we move forward."
The Roosters have been a dominant force in Group 6 for a number of seasons and with Second Grade recording an eerily similar 36-18 win it was a successful day for the whole club.
"It was a great game there are no doubts about that. I couldn't remember when we last won both grades at Thirlmere," Aiken said.
"That said we didn't do it easy in First Grade, the scoreline doesn't reflect the game. Thirlmere made us work hard deep into the third quarter before we ran away with it.
"The margin did surprise me. I was thinking a draw or perhaps a couple of points either way, like I said though the scoreline doesn't reflect the game.
"The plan was to work on our completion rate which was good. A solid defensive effort, and play for the entire 80 minutes so we're happy we did all that."
The Lions are on the road again this Sunday when they travel to Kirkham Park to face first-placed Camden Rams.
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