For one of the first times this season, the Academy had a nearly full team to pick from - and what a difference it made. After introductions between players (and the coaches with the few new players) it was clear everyone was up for the game against local rivals Farnham. The only disappointment was the request from Farnham to go with uncontested scrums, as they only had four hookers but no-one who could cover prop (despite our offer of a tight head)!

From the kick-off Farnham scored first, and quickly, after interplay between their hard running and offloading centres - who continued to poise a threat all game. Now alerted to this, Camberley tightened their defence and began to shut down the Farnham play. In addition, as the scrums were uncontested, Camberley lost one means of getting back ball so the set piece was focused on winning the battle of the line-out.

As the half wore on it became clear that it was going to be a match about whether Camberley could keep the Farnham centres contained and Farnham could contest the line-out and whether Camberley could reduce handling errors and keep on the right side of the ref at the ruck.

In an entertaining game, a much improved and aggressive defence from Camberley from previous games - most notably close to the try line - shut down the Farnham attacking options and an increasingly direct and confident display from the backs put Camberley on the front foot.

A late try, from a rare failure to contain their centres, looked like a win against the run of play for Farnham. Camberley were in no mind to roll over though and some good hands and direct running from the backs saw Camberley get a well deserved win.

Well done

Camberley Rugby Football Club

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