Camden worry Wollondilly in local derby

 After rejoining the Illawarra Rugby Union, Wollondilly Waratahs met Camden Rams in an eagerly awaited local derby at Wire Lane. Camden were coming of the back of a big win over Bowral and Wollondilly had fought all the way to go down to Engadine 47-31.

Camden were eager to exploit Wollondilly out wide with their speedy backs, but early in the match Camden’s forward pack began to set the platform. With the return of Illawarra forwards Gavin Holder and Daniel Ballantyne Camden were destructive up the middle and allowed fly half Josh Tailby time and space to be at his creative best. This platform paved the way for another afternoon of running rugby and plenty of points being scored. Centres Andy Vernon (3) and Tyler Aitken (2) added to an already impressive season try tally. Fullback Jake Sadler and Tailby also scored and forwards Mark Nightingale, Ballantyne and Holder capitalised on a wilted defence to crash over for the final three tries to take the final score line to 60-0. Nightingale, Aitken, Vernon and prop Ryan Martin were the standouts in a very solid outfit. The first away match of the season versus Kiama will be Camden’s toughest test yet, but the physical and so far impenetrable defence will be the biggest positive taken down the coast.

 Wollondilly were unable to offer much more resistance in reserve grade earlier in the day. Camden stuck to the formula of going forward before wide, and flanker James Gatt pick and drove for the first try after some solid tight forward work. The backs than came into their own and counter attack was their primary mode, with fullback Andrew Brown instrumental in his own try and those of centre Dan Grimson and winger Nick Daly. Flanker Simon Wine, No 8 James Crisp and Rob Richards enforced their physical presence by crashing over for 5 pointers. Speedy Winger Wade Chandler finished of the match with a self-converted try after an elusive run up the left flank. Best on the park were Brown, Crisp and centre John Nettle. The big wins leave Camden on top of both tables and the club Championship, with more promise expected in the coming rounds.