Mittagong Lions have roared back into title contention with a thumping 72-20 win over South-West Goannas on Sunday.
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The Lions ran riot against their opponents to mark their first appearance at Mittagong Sportsground since Round 2.
Despite the impressive scoreline, Lions President Matt Aiken was quick to heap praise on the Goannas, who have endured a tough season to date.
"I know clocking up 70 sounds good but full credit to the Goannas for the 20 they put on us," Aiken told the Southern Highland News.
"The game was played in great spirits, forfeiting was never an option in First Grade for the Goannas so to turn up on a long weekend with players away and put twenty on us, I say take a bow legends.
"They've our respect. It's a club having a crack, we take our hat off, if anyone knows that losing feeling it's us. We'd love to support them in anyway possible."
After starting the season on fire Mittagong had run into a couple of stumbling blocks, drawing 16-all with Camden Rams and losing to Oakdale Workers 46-14 before last Sunday.
Aiken said a win in their upcoming home game against Narellan Jets would see the club achieve its goal of sitting inside the top three at the halfway mark of the season.
"We were going along nicely then Oakdale taught us a tough lesson, they turned up and we didn't, it's that simple," he said.
"They had more energy than us, that said I'm thinking it's the loss we needed to have. It has given the coaching staff plenty to think about and a good chance to reset. We will be better for it.
"We had a heap [of players] out for the game against Goannas so hopefully we get the chance to put our top 17 back on the paddock this Sunday against Narellan.
"We set at the start of the season what we thought was a realistic goal and that was to be in the top three at the halfway mark so hopefully we beat Narellan and this happens.
"The team is happy enough but we've a ton of work to do, [we're] far from in the box seat. We will just keep chipping away and see what happens."
It will be a big weekend of footy in the Highlands with all senior sides playing at home, starting Saturday night and continuing on Sunday.
The Lions will also host their annual trivia night at Mittagong RSL on Friday, June 25.
Aiken said the club was looking forward to welcoming locals as they continue what has been a strong season.
"Reserve Grade are in second place, our Under 18's strung two wins together which delighted everyone, both the ladies sides are travelling along nicely and Third Grade are inspirational so I couldn't be happier," he explained.
"This weekend we have Ladies League Tag and Third Grade playing on Saturday night so get around these games.
"The canteen and bar will be open, five dollar entry so the cheapest Saturday night you'll ever have. Then back it up Sunday to get your complete footy fix with four games."
Group 6 Rugby League - Round 9
Mittagong Lions v Narellan Jets
Sunday June 20, 2:30pm
Mittagong Sportsground
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