Engadine edge out Rams
1sts Camden 13 Vs Engadine 14
2nds Camden 31 Vs Engadine 0
3rds Camden 58 Vs Engadine 0
Camden have experienced their second loss on the trot in disappointing circumstances in going down 14-13 to a desperate Engadine Lions at Yarrawarrah. Camden started slow and could not get the run of the green in a game where a disallowed try, missed conversion and penalty attempts counted heavily against Camden in a one point loss.
Engadine’s speedy backs scored the first two tries to leave Camden reeling at 14-0 in deficit. Camden came to life and got themselves back into the game with a strong forward dominated first half. No 8 Gavin Holder smashed his way over and minutes later after one of several penalties flanker Danny Ballantyne replicated this act from a quick tap. Camden missed both shots at goal but consolidated with a 35m penalty from centre Brett Jackson.
The second half became a scoreless grind with Camden having the best of the opportunities but thwarted by decisions and desperate defence. Lee Russell appeared to have sealed the victory after dislodging a ball from the returning fullback but it was pulled up because of an apparent high tackle. Another missed penalty attempt and Camden languished a point behind last year’s semi finalists. Camden were well served by Jackson, Russell, Ballantyne and prop Ed Whiteman.
Camden reserves continued there unbeaten run and have yet to concede a try after their 31-0 victory over the Lions. Camden absorbed early pressure far better than their opponents and eventually scored first through Fly Half Alex Ban who used his trademark glide to sneak through. The floodgates opened and all of the back three, Andrew Brown, Wade Chandler and Daniel Grimson also crossed in entertaining circumstances. Not to be outdone the forwards were represented by flanker Justin Le Good on the score-sheet. Halfback Venu Ahsam was creative around the ruck and flanker Nathan Prior maintained possession throughout the game.
Camden 3rd’s registered their largest win of the season so far, downing the Lions 58-0. Camden managed to stick to a simple game plan early and were rewarded with points on the board and a satisfying bonus point victory. The second half was when Camden really applied the blowtorch and points flowed steadily. Jarred Kelly (2) Dan Campbell, AJ Tripodi, Dave Kay-Spratley, Michael Burke, Mark Strong and Drew Hammond all crossed the chalk. Fly half was instrumental in laying on many tries and forwards Jordan O’Sullivan, Burke, Riley Cashman laid a solid platform for the victory,
Camden play Shamrocks at Ocean Park next Saturday and will be attempting to halt the losing streak emerging in the top grade and continue to crush all who stands in their way in the lower grades who both remain on the top of their respective ladders.
By Chris Ferry
