The Lions had only five fresh players for first grade.

Battling injury, work commitments and no under-18s players available for selection, no one could have blamed Mittagong for forfeiting one of the two grades.

They had only 20 players for two matches, which meant 12 blokes played two games.

Playing three hours of rugby league is a tough enough task, but it was made even tougher by the opposition. Thirlmere/Tahmoor have been the Group 6 benchmark for some seasons and they have discovered some of their vintage form in recent weeks.

The Lions knew they were in for a hiding when former NRL player Leo Dynevor ran out in reserve grade.

Dynevor dominated, as he should, but the Lions kept tackling and spinning the ball wide, intent on providing a tough opposition.

Mittagong first grade coach and former first grade hard nut Andy Stephan said he was proud of the way his chargers represented their club.

“We thought about forfeiting but the players put their hands up and said they were happy to play two games if it was needed,” Stephan said.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more than what they gave the club.”

Front rower Josh Holland personified the courage and commitment, repeatedly hitting the ball up into the monstrous Roosters pack.

Mark Williams and Al Rebeck were also among the Lions best, while reserve grade player Dan Gates showed why he should be picked in the first team.

Mittagong have struggled in their first grade comeback season this year, with only two wins from 16 games.

But, the match against Thirlmere will not be remembered for the 76-6 scoreline, rather the courage and commitment of the Lions who walked off the field, completely exhausted, after three hours of football.