The Lions put on a dazzling display for a big home crowd in their six-tries-to-two victory. Mittagong’s fifth win has all but secured them a finals berth with two rounds reamaining.

Following three straight losses over a disjointed six-week period the Lions ripped into an under-strength Dogs outfit from the get-go.

Josh Rose crossed in the first minute, following some clever play by five-eighth Rob Carter, to give the home team an early 4-0 lead.

Fullback Mark Williams then that had the big crowd on their feet racing 80 metres and out smarting the Dogs defence to make it 8-0 16 minutes in.

Appin struck in the 29th minute to close the gap to 8-6 but Williams got his second on the halftime hooter to give Mittagong a 14-6 halftime advantage.

The Lions stepped up a gear in the second term with Williams knocking over a penalty goal and hooker Ben Shepherd scooted over from dummy half to spilt the tiring Dogs’ defence and touch down next to the posts for a 22-6 lead.

Appin’s dynamic fullback hit back to make it 22-12 and the Dogs appeared to regain the ascendency with the Lions starting to go into their shells in attack.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Monday, July 14

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