Rams run over Engadine Lions
1st: Camden 44 Engadine 7
2nd: Camden 37 Engadine 0
3rd: Camden 34 Engadine 17
Camden Rams First XV broke a streak of losses with an emphatic and entertaining victory over the Engadine Lions at Wire Lane. The victory not only showed the true potential of a young but an injury hit Camden unit but also sealed the first Saturday clean sweep since round 3.
Camden started strongly against a committed Lions outfit and both teams traded early blows and after a few minutes a 7-7 scoreline promised another tough encounter.
Camden accclerated from this point on and took control of the game. Camden attacked Engadine’s strength of speed out wide and crossed through wingers Matt Tedesco and Nick Daley. Centre Tyler Aitken and Number 8 Gavin Holder also managed to dominate out wide to score five pointers on the way to a comprehensive 44-7 victory. Camden were led around the park well by stand in fly half Lee Russell who gave Camden exceptional field position and put continual pressure on the Engadine back three. Daley and Holder were also standouts for the beaming Ram squad.
Camden’s Reserves gelled well and returned serve after two straight losses to consolidate their spot near the top of the ladder. Tries were evenly distributed through forwards and backs to highlight a dominating all round performance that has earned Camden a reputation in the 2nd grade competition for two seasons now. Try scorers were Jamed Gatt, Tom Howe, Dane Kelly (2), John Nettle, Daniel Grimson and one of the most exceptional counter-attacking tries seen in many a season by rookie winger Mark Jordan who hung on to a spectacular catch, accelerated and cut through numerous defenders to cross under the black dot. Gatt, Jordan and lock Richard Jeans were awarded match points.
Camden Third Grade have shown that preparation goes along way this season and this effort was no different against an Engadine team bolstered by a club hoping to salvage something in their lowest grade. Camden were against the wall early when a charged down clearing kick ended up being dived on in the in-goal by an Engadine chaser. Camden replied immediately with their own lucky try as winger Drew Hammond hit a rolling ball at pace from a fumbled line-out and scored almost untouched. Camden then switched on and played a strong and tight forward game with powerful scrums and short runs adjacent to the ruck. Camden’s next two tries were from a well-constructed maul (Prop Mark Singh) and a powerful scrum over try (Number 8 Matt Searle). The backs got their own back however with a clever kick and chase try to fullback Mark Strong. Second rower Andrew Redman, Half Chris Ferry and Strong were best on park.
Camden will be hoping to continue to build on this momentum with strong performances against a traveling Shamrocks club. Games start at wired lane from 12:15, with the main game played at 3pm. We hope all supporters can get there to cheer on a buoyant Ram squad.
