Quins Cup - 4th Round

Match Report - Neil Dethick

Whilst Harlequins RFC played their annual ‘Big Match 14’ at Twickers on Saturday, Camberley U15s played an even bigger match the following day at Watchetts. Having won the last 3 cup matches, Cambo sat proudly atop the group league table with two matches to go. Another old nemesis in the form of Rosslyn Park awaited us in the fourth of the group stage encounters. Worryingly, in our two previous recent meetings, RP had dispatched us with relative ease, putting 50 points on us less then a year ago. But that was at their place on a plastic pitch in spring warmth – how would they cope with rugby on grass and mud in March? Well, read on dear friends – you’re about to find out!
‘Twas a chilly grey day that greeted the squad as they assembled on Sunday. However, a nervousness seemed to pervade the dressing room and the atmosphere around the warm-up was distinctly subdued.

A stirring speech from captain Rhys in the pre-match huddle reminded the team that if they won today, they would be in prime spot to win the group and a place in the final. The glittering prize was tantalizingly close, the motivation was building, now it would be all down to how the team performed on the pitch.

Immediately from the kick-off, the nerves seemed to dissipate and Cambo looked determined and focused. At the first scrum they marched RP back several metres to confirm the reemergence of our ‘super-power’ weapon. It wasn’t very many minutes before RP were caught offside whilst defending on their try line. A tapped penalty and Joel, using his power and strength, smashed through the defence to score our first try. With a beautiful conversion by Ollie, we were up and running.

Well, I say ‘running’ but as it turned out, we were running in completely the wrong direction! I can only think that the team had collectively agreed that the next few minutes they would enforce a unilateral ‘tackle amnesty’ policy. RP took advantage of this brushing through some uncharacteristically poor defence and quickly scored their first (unconverted) try. The crowd sighed. Was this to be another bum-squeakingly close encounter where fingernails are chewed to the quick, heart palpitations are the norm and all the Rugby Mum’s start vociferously berating the team’s lack of physicality?

Cambo needed to reassert themselves and turn territorial advantage into points. Fortunately, the referee was very much alive to the constant offsides at the ruck and RP were again penalized close to their line. Another tapped penalty, another huge charge and lunge from Joel and another try resulted. Again, this was converted by Ollie who had obviously worn his best kicking boots today.

So, the lead had been reestablished and territorial and possession stats were all in our favour. Time to consolidate, play the simple game and relax the crowd. But, alas, no. We don’t play that way. Yet another ‘tackle amnesty’ was implemented allowing RP to again respond with a try of their own after running straight through our defence. 14 – 12 and on the touchline, the Rugby Mums were agitatedly clearing their throats, ready to harangue anyone within earshot.

Luckily though, yet another offside decision allowed Rhys to calm things down and Ollie slotted home a three pointer to make the score 17 – 12 at the break.

A half-time team talk from coach Jackson ensued wherein it was suggested (quite vigorously) that tackle amnesties were probably not the ideal way forward and should be abandoned henceforth. The team agreed and with Ollie T coming on in the second row, and Adam replacing Harry J in the front row, we set about the second half in a determined mood.

Attacking the clubhouse end, we were quickly in the ascendancy. Our back row began to dominate and to the gentle rallying cry of “HIT HIM OLIVER” ringing around Watchetts (thank you Mr T), it wasn’t long before Bailey crashed over for his customary try. Further back-row success came from Harrison who ran a great attacking line to score a well-deserved debut try for the As. At last we looked comfortable. Ollie T followed his father’s instructions to the letter with some outstanding tackling, James on the wing didn’t let the opposition have a sniff and Dexter was a snorting, growling Water Bison at the breakdown. Luca with a brilliant kick and chase, great supporting running and some strong defence. It therefore came as no surprise when, using his intuition to be in the right place at the right time, Luca pounced on a loose ball to run in unopposed from 20 metres and score under the posts. Another conversion gave Ollie a perfect 6 from 6 for the day.

RP managed a consolation try at some point in the second half but in all truth, it was a comprehensive performance that gave Cambo a 38 – 19 victory.

Now we’ve recognised some of the star performers already – Joel with his 2 tries, the rest of the back row and Ollie R to name but a few. However, there was one outstanding performance that we haven’t yet mentioned – that of Harry B. Harry has been getting better and better as the season has progressed. He has been absolutely perfect in the line out, strong in the scrum and always seems to be in the right place to support his teammates. He always gives 100% on the pitch (he was utterly exhausted after the game) and has been a pleasure to coach this season. His all-round performance on Sunday was fantastic and rightly deserved his Man of the Match accolade (Jointly with Ollie R).
So, just one more match to go in the cup with Sutton and Epsom coming to visit this Sunday. Still work to do – especially around our tackling (see above!) and securing our own ball at the breakdown (an issue which has plagued us all season). So training this week will be as important as ever. The coaches will be ready to rock at 7pm on Wednesday with as many players as possible in attendance, please.
We are now four from four. Let’s make it a clean sweep. COME ON CAMBO!