Match Report: Camden Rams vs Campbelltown Harlequins

Another spirited showing from the Camden Rams wasn’t enough to get them over the line in Saturday’s local derby against Campbelltown at Wire Lane. 

The Rams went down 41-20 in the derby in perfect conditions, which was a pleasant surprise, given the recent inclement weather and flooding in and around Camden in in the days before the match. 

The ground itself was in outstanding condition, given the weather, and held up well considering all three grades played, with little signs of wear-and-tear from the matches. 

Camden winger Ian Hinton opened the scoring after five minutes, with a slicing solo run, where he beat several Campbelltown defenders, with the try coming from nothing, to the delight of the partisan local crowd. 

Most of the first half was an even affair, with neither side willing to give away much, especially in Campbelltown’s first hit-out of the season, following a washout in Round 1. 

The Harlequins scored a try on 25 minutes to open their account, and much of the remaining half was evenly shared, although Campbelltown did seem have more possession and territory than the home side. 

Camden’s front row goalkicker Keeran McCourt added a penalty shortly after the Campbelltown try, but the Quins Netane Masima added his first penalty of the day on halftime to give the visitors a 10-8 lead at the break. 

Halftime didn’t seem to do much for either side, with neither taking full advantage in the opening stages of the second half. Campbelltown added an early penalty, extending their lead, before Camden winger Grant Iles scored a nice try to level the scores at 13-13. 

However, from here, the scoring was predominantly one way, with the visitors limiting Camden’s chances to add points, while readily adding to their own tally in the process. 

Quins prop Aran Anapu, Masima and himself added tries in the ten minute period for the visitors, as they took control of the match, with penalty goals being added regularly to keep the scoreboard ticking over in their favour. 

Both sides scored tries in the closing minutes, with Camden’s coming through hard working skipper Tim Windle, as the scoreboard ran out 41-20 at the final whistle in favour of Campbelltown. 

Camden’s better players included halves Shane Neasy and experienced No.10 Dane Kelly, whose invaluable kicking and direction ensured the scoreline didn’t blow out further for the home side. The forward pack worked hard, against a much larger Campbelltown pack, but more than held their own, especially in the set piece occasions. 

The Rams now have two weeks to regroup before their next encounter – an away trip to face competition heavyweights Avondale, at Capetta Oval, before consecutive home matches after Easter.