Thirlmere Roosters advanced to the Group 6 GF in a fortnight with an unexpected win over the Picton Magpies at the black & white's home ground on Sunday.
Picton were red hot favourites for the title, being Minor Premiers and finishing 6 points ahead of the second placed Thirlmere. The fact that the maroon & golds appeared to be in control of the match at most stages is perhaps a little ominous and suggestive that the Rooster's are merely peaking at the right time. The first 25 minutes were an arm wrestle, but once fullback and Captain/Coach Jake Mullaney stepped through for the first try Thirlmere took control with Dayne Craig scoring soon after, taking the score to 10-0\. Picton centre Shane Orcher scored shortly before half-time to make it 10-4.
Thirlmere's Luke Bonnell picked up a try 5 mins into the 2nd half taking the score to 16-4\. A penalty goal kicked by half Eddie Paea, and a further try to Riley Nairn, took the score out to 24-4 with 15 mins left on the clock. Picton took advantage of Thirlmere being a man down in the dying minutes due to a sin binning and picked up a late try to make the final score to 24-10.
In the earlier Semi Final 3rd placed Campbelltown City Kangaroos defeated 4th placed & defending Premiers Camden Rams 24-18.
City will play the Magpies this weekend to decide who will play Thirlmere in the G.F. at Cambo Stadium
Picton were red hot favourites for the title, being Minor Premiers and finishing 6 points ahead of the second placed Thirlmere. The fact that the maroon & golds appeared to be in control of the match at most stages is perhaps a little ominous and suggestive that the Rooster's are merely peaking at the right time. The first 25 minutes were an arm wrestle, but once fullback and Captain/Coach Jake Mullaney stepped through for the first try Thirlmere took control with Dayne Craig scoring soon after, taking the score to 10-0\. Picton centre Shane Orcher scored shortly before half-time to make it 10-4.
Thirlmere's Luke Bonnell picked up a try 5 mins into the 2nd half taking the score to 16-4\. A penalty goal kicked by half Eddie Paea, and a further try to Riley Nairn, took the score out to 24-4 with 15 mins left on the clock. Picton took advantage of Thirlmere being a man down in the dying minutes due to a sin binning and picked up a late try to make the final score to 24-10.
In the earlier Semi Final 3rd placed Campbelltown City Kangaroos defeated 4th placed & defending Premiers Camden Rams 24-18.
City will play the Magpies this weekend to decide who will play Thirlmere in the G.F. at Cambo Stadium
