Tech Triumph over committed Rams
1st Camden 0 Tech-Tahs 26
2nd Camden 20 Tech-Tahs 0
3rd Camden 22 Tech-Tahs 5
Camden’s tough season continued yesterday over a strong Tech-Tahs unit that was hell-bent on racking on the points. The Camden first grade squad was missing up to 8 of its regulars but being buoyed by two lower grade wins, was still confident. They defended their try line with tenacity and only conceded one lucky try in the first 30mins.
Just before the break Tech snuck across again but it was becoming evident that Camden’s scrambling defence was frustrating the Tech team and they begun to resort to niggling tactics and slowed down Camden’s ball with law-bending aplomb, which was a feature observed in all Tech Grades.
Eventually pressure mounted and tries either side of the break could have signaled the opening of the floodgates. However as the minutes ticked over Camden remained strong and perhaps only the publicity of over-use of the yellow card kept all 15 Tech players on the turf. A further try left the final score at 26-0. Best on park were 150 game legend David Gleeson, No 8 Gavin Holder, Fullback Jake Sadler and half Matt Dench.
In Reserve Grade Camden Cemented their premiership favourites titled with a comfortable 20-0 win over Tech. Camden had a few players moved up into the top grade on game day, and positional changes were necessary, but they played undeterred and provided a clinical performance and some blockbuster tries. The Return of Andrew Brown at the back provided some sparked that may have been vacated by the move of Dane Kelly into the first XV. Brown scored a try out wide to signal his return was complete. A try to Simon Wine was called back after a scrap in back-play but Camden continued to cross the line through prop Nathan ‘Manu’ Vial, Half Venu Asham and winger Dan Grimson. Camden were well served by Ahsam and skipper Warren Green.
Camden’s thirds showed why they are outright second with a convincing 22-5 win over third placed Tech. Camden came out with a new vigour after a flat win over Shamrocks and a late draw over an enthusiastic University. Camden made early ground over the advantage line and showed flair from their damaging centres and speedy back three.
Camden kicked an early penalty through five-eighth Shane Martin, as they were determined to make the most of the field position. Camden made it 10-0 when some dropped ball was turned into an attacking opportunity and fullback Mark Strong fed a flying Mark Jordan and the wing streaked across the line. When centre Matt Tagg crashed over from an acute angle and AJ Tripodi scooted from the base of the ruck to score a 22-0 looked comfortable. Tech scored a try in the second half after several penalties pegged Camden on the line. The second half was a tougher battle but Camden remained resilient and refused to give up the lead. Camden’s best was skipper Toby Quelch who directed his troops around the park from the scrum base, No 8 Dan Campbell and Jordan.
Camden Rams play at Wire Lane next Saturday to take on an Avondale squad intent on winning a lower grade premiership and disrupting the finals preparations of Camden’s squads. Camden’s First XV will be hoping to turn the tides on the heartbreaking loss of the first round encounter. Games start at 12:15pm.
