Camden Seconds advance against Tech
Camden 26 Tech-Tahs 19
Camden Rams traveled down to Shoalhaven on Sunday to take on Tech-Tahs in the Minor Semi final with the season victories locked at one apiece. Camden had big improvements to make after a loss to Avondale the week earlier and Tech had snuck home with a late try against University to keep their season alive.
The Rams started with a flurry as the forwards secured possession and half Matt Dench distributed cleanly to deep running backs.
Alex Ban collected some quick phase ball and scooted through a gap. Looking for support on the inside he found Prop Nathan Vial who crashed over. Ban converted to take an early 7-0 lead.
Camden continued to apply pressure and this amounted to large amounts of possession. The backs diverged from the standard plan and this allowed a strong running John Nettle to crash over under the posts to extend the lead.
Tech hit back when some field position came their way with a try of their own but Camden refused to lose the momentum and after another swift backline movement Graeme Martin fed a speedy Wade Chandler who got outside his man and scooted around to make it another easy conversion for Ban, who made it 21-7 at half time. Camden continued to show their dominance in the second stanza and made several line breaks, including one stellar run from winger Nick Daley from his own 20m line and who was brought down over 60m up field. Camden capitalised on one such break and Mark Nightingale dragged a number of defenders to the line. The only thing that managed to slow Camden was the whistle and Tech made the most of several offside penalties and the resulting field position. After a monstrous Mark Nightingale tackle, it seemed Camden were in awe of the big lock and Tech spread it wide for an easy try. From the kick-off Tech again moved it back down field with slow but steady rugby and several penalties. Amazingly after a minor scuffle at the ruck, a number of pivotal Camden defenders were caught out when Tech spread it back to where the incident was occurring and Camden were left short. Tech scored and after a simple conversion was missed the difference was a mere converted try. Camden continued to defend strongly but could not catch a run of the green and continued to hold Tech at bay until the clock wound down. Camden was extremely well served by most but standouts included Nightingale, Ban, Nettle, flanker James Gatt, and centre Graeme Martin.
Next week Camden will be playing for a Grand Final berth at Vikings Rugby Park, Wollongong. Camden will be taking on minor Premiers Avondale who were pipped by Vincentia. The Rams will be hoping for strong support away from home, with everyone encouraged to wear Gold and Black and join the mobile ‘Deck’.
