Errors Cost Cam Surrey Shield Final

Camberley lost narrowly to Battersea Ironsides and will rue two crucial mistakes both leading to tries for the eventual winners.
A well balanced looking Camberley side started the match in the attack and were rewarded by a penalty in the third minute slotted by Tom Dunn. But the lead was cancelled two minutes later with an equalising penalty from Ironsides. After this solid pressure from Ironsides saw two more penalties struck leaving a 9 – 3 lead in 20 minutes.
The deficit did spur Camberley on and fine forwards pressure saw flanker Jonno Elvin over way out left for a well earned try in 24 minutes. An excellent conversion by Tom Dunn from touch and Camberley lead by 10 – 9.
Both sides were working non stop with Camberley marginally in control but the encouraging situation was unfortunately ended with a try for Iron sides against the run of play. At 31 minutes a failure to catch a mid field “up and under” led to the ball being taken and the pass to the speedy left wing Tyson Peters saw him race to the line and although unconverted gave the 14 – 10 lead.
The boost given by the lead then saw Ironsides pile on the pressure as half time approached and the work by the forwards pressing the line saw a penalty try awarded in added time and the 7 points giving a half time lead of 21 – 10.
With just three second half minutes on the clock the second error and five more points for Ironsides. A failure to control the ball before bouncing 30 meters out and away went Ironsides to score in the corner an unconverted try by centre Jamie Absalom and leave a healthy lead of 26 – 10.
But Camberley started to exert the pressure needed and the hard working forwards efforts saw a second try from flanker Jonno Elvin in the left corner which was unconverted. By now Camberley were playing with determination and considerable effort and were rewarded for more outstanding forwards pressure as front row substitute Dylan was over for a well earned forwards try. Unconverted the score after 18 minutes of the second half 26 – 20 and all to play for by both sides.
The last 20 minutes saw both sides locked in the game unable to breach the defences as Ironsides looked to finish marginally stronger. Deep into injury time a last chance for Camberley saw the ball lost in a promising late attack inside the Ironsides half and the opportunity gone.
The final result 26 – 20 to Ironsides. Camberley gave there all in a courageous performance as they have throughout the season but will rue the 12 points from errors after they held a narrow lead. Ironsides just had the edge with their strong looking backs able to ensure scores at opportune moments.

Report by Neil Doody