You can't buy heart
On a warm Saturday, 4 clubs trekked to Vikings Rugby Field for the Penultimate game of the 2009 IDRU competition. The day would offer up 3 games and 3 clubs the chance to knock off the much-fancied Avondale squads that they would face. In a case of being bred not bought, the day started well for the majority of the crowd present as University of Wollongong snuck home in third grade with a thrilling 20-19 win that would seal themselves a place in the Grand Final versus Shamrocks.
Many Camden supporters were hoping that this would set the tone for the day. Previously the minor premiers Avondale had only lost to Vincentia and would have been eager to force a rematch at WIN stadium. The Wombats showed their power game and used their size advantage well early but Camden defended gallantly. Often Camden would pilfer the ball and than use their far more elusive backs to spread it wide and trek it up field out of trouble.
However the clean sheet was soon marred when Avondale’s sizeable number 8 stormed over on a short blind. The Number 8 became the obvious threat minutes later when he again crashed over from a quick tap and Camden would have been staring the end of their season in the eyes. The score line was only 12-0 but the momentum had started to flow. Enter Mark Nightingale: Camden had once again used their speed to progress deep into the Wombats’ half and continued the roll on through the bustling forward runs. A quick tap went through two sets of hands and hit an angled run from the man even Avondale fear. Nightingale crashed over and Camden went to the break 12-5 down but with confidence brimming after a half running into the wind.
The second half couldn’t have started worse for the Rams, with the Avondale lock making the most of some field position and finding a gap just of the ruck. With the kick being converted Camden had some work to do.
The Rams had previously made several long range breaks from well within their own half and one man responsible for a number, outside centre Graeme Martin was rewarded when he hit a hole out wide and crossed for the Ram’s second try. The momentum began to swing and Camden’s intensity lifted and the big Avondale backs and forwards appeared to wilt. With the clock clicking down Camden again spread it from about half way and Martin again got around his opposite man and scooted off towards the line. With man impeded in support things did not look promising, but a huge drive and a few key bump-offs allowed Martin to cross 15 in from touch. Fly Half Alex Ban stepped up having previously missed two tough conversions slotted the extra two points and shrank the lead to a mere two points. Camden continued to pressure and strung together several promising sets of phase play but it appeared Avondale’s defence had stepped up a gear. With about 10 minutes remaining a dangerous lifting tackle allowed a nervous Dane Kelly to step up to a tea bout 35m out and 15m in from touch. With little fuss Kelly kicked and an ecstatic crowd sensed a victory. Camden had to continue defend gallantly and were well served by skipper and half Matt Dench who set a terrific example for his troops. As the crowd nervously counted down the minutes Camden continued to maintain composure. When Dench kicked the ball out and the whistle blew the Rams has made their first Grand Final appearance since colts 2005 and a senior grade in 2002.
In 1st grade Avondale got their solitary win up against Shoalhaven, effectively making the decision for the rest of Illawarra as to whom would garner their support in the 1st grade Grand Final. Go Tech!
Camden Reserves play Vincentia Van Gough’s at WIN Stadium on Saturday the 19th of September. Please all get down to Wollongong, dress in Gold and Black, and support the guys!
