Match Report

Match report - Neil Dethick

It was with a sense of foreboding and trepidation that Cambo U15 squad travelled to Rosslyn Park to begin their Waterfall Cup campaign for this season. Having been handed a sobering rugby lesson last season after losing 57 – 7, the huge 3G pitch and the knowledge that RP had a fantastic record in the competition meant that this was going to be a stern examination of the squad’s progress.
The coaches’ mood was not helped by the fact that pre-kick-off, RP informed us that they had no recognized front row available meaning that the scrums would be uncontested. Instantly, our squad ‘super-power’ and biggest threat had just been nullified. Grrr….
Anyway, in warm and sunny conditions RP kicked off and immediately the Cambo tone was set by two big tackles coming in from Harry Bowen. Our forwards were motivated and winning turnover ball regularly preventing any significant RP momentum. Big Will in the 2nd row made ground every time he took the ball and flanker Ollie was his usual ferocious all-action style in denying our opponents the time and space to play. It was hugely pleasing to see quick support arriving at the breakdown allowing us to secure decent ball – a big problem area for the squad in previous seasons.
All appeared to be going well for the first 15 minutes. RP had not got into our 22, the team were playing the way the coaches had worked on and even without our superpower, we matched anything RP threw at us. And then…..
… An innocuous punt into the RP 22 was gathered up by the defender who then proceeded to scythe through our defence, with tacklers falling off him alarmingly. Try under the posts resulted. And then it kinda happened all over again! Missed tackles in open play against speedy opposition who knew how to hand off resulted in 2 further tries. Cambo also missed touch from a penalty only to see it ran back the length of the pitch for a further RP score.
The missed tackles were disappointing because otherwise, Cambo were playing brilliantly, stifling any attempted RP creativity and were on top in all other facets of play. Heads could have dropped at this stage but in fact the reverse happened when Cambo were able to finish off the first half with a well worked try of our own - Bailey driving over with numerous defenders failing to stop him.
A positive half time talk by Paul only added to the team’s belief and with fresh legs in the shape of Ollie M, Nick, Harrison, Adam, Henry and Tom, it was to prove a game of two halves. Rhys and Gethin showing signs of a great pairing at 9 and 10 which allowed the team to release the backs with the ball getting to Alex and James on the wings several times - again a big step forward from last season.
RP were able to score from a well-worked short penalty but then the comeback began! A decent set of passes through the backline resulted in a powerful run from Luca to score his now customary try. Shortly after, Ollie R cut through the defence to score in the opposite corner. RP looked tired and out of ideas. A couple of monster hits from Joel, some massive physicality from Adam and the energy, drive and determination of Harrison meant that RP could not get out of their half. With only a few minutes left on the clock, man of the match Bailey took a short ball at speed and his sheer determination and the support of the pack drove him over for the second time.
Cambo now didn’t want the match to end but, all too soon for us, the referee blew for full time with the final score being 33-20 to RP.
Despite the loss, head coach Jackson was delighted with the performance highlighting the great teamwork, excellent go forward ball creation, that every single member of the team was involved and that heads never dropped.
So some massive positives to take forward to the match against Chobham next Sunday. Need to work on some tackle technique but the early season signs are encouraging. Finally a special mention to those lads that didn’t get to travel today but, nevertheless, showed up for training at Watchetts – Alex D, Finn, Myles, Tom, Josh and Ed - rugby is a squad game and your time will come!
See you all on Wednesday evening!