Cam looking good even in the heat

So, on one of the hottest days of the year, the residents of Henley together with the hoards of visitors to this idyllic riverside town, were predictably to be found on the riverbank, basking in the glorious sunshine whilst watching the Thames slowly meander through the town.
However not everyone was so lucky as, just a few hundred yards from the river, Henley, Camberley and Nantgaredig rugby clubs all arrived to check out their individual progress during pre season training and also to enjoy a free sauna.

Despite the horrendous conditions for players and spectators alike we actually witnessed some surprisingly good rugby on a firm but still largely green track aided by frequent water breaks and half time huddles in the shade of the trees.
The triangular saw Cam take on Henley, who have played Nat 2 for a number of years, in 2 x 20 min sessions followed by Cam v Nant, again 2 x 20 min sessions with the triangular finishing with the hosts taking on Nant.

The Cam squad comprised largely of last season's squad but it was good to see a couple of returnees in Josh Thundercliffe and Joey Wood together with Vic Hardwicke who was returning after a 2 season injury break.
In the first segment we saw both sides coming close, particularly when a classic backs move saw our Fiery Fireman make great yards before the 'clever' 3v2 move failed. We also saw the Henley left winger through only to be pulled back for a foot on the whitewash. Overall Cam looked very confident although in this first period they did have an issue with the Henley backrow who's jackalling was very effective and it was also good to see the black and ambers winning several pens at scrum time with Bazza having a huge 20 mins.
However neither side was able to break each others defences and the break came with the score 0-0.
The second period was much more about Cam as they sought to minimise the jackalling issue and they took the lead with a great lineout catch and drive with our Ozzie Mole, who else, claiming the score and towards the end of the session a great steal by Big Dom saw the ball popped to Liam who's delicate grubber kick was perfect for George to run on to and claim the touchdown. With both kicks successful by Liam this made the final score 14-0 and a very happy coaching team who know that they still have lots of work-ons but they were clearly pleased to see so many good things so early on.

The second game saw Cam take on Nant who had travelled up from South Wales for a pre season escape and who have Alun Rise as part of their coaching team so it was good to see Alun and Lydia up for the occasion.
This was much more of an open, training ground style encounter which was made more difficult when following a couple of knocks several Cam players were needed to make up the Nant numbers. Cam seemed to be well in control following a great run and touch down by winger Louis Morris which was followed by the winger again making good yards down the flank and this time his cross field kick was eagerly pounced on by young Jack Johnson making the half time score 14-0 but in the second half with Pickle and Jack now playing for Nant the plucky South Wales side evened up the score for an honourable draw.

Again in this squad we saw young Joe Exall having a solid game on his move up from the Academy and it was really good to welcome Stevie H back to the club – lets hope he has a really enjoyable season.

So Risey and his coaching team including new assistant coach Chris Ladler will have plenty to work on in the coming weeks but overall this was a very encouraging first run out and with 30+ boys playing this was a strong showing, something which we will need to maintain for the entire season as there will certainly not be any easy Saturdays in this new league.

Currently we have a couple more hit outs panned before the first scheduled game on Sept 3rd but I suspect that any play in the next few weeks at Watchetts must be in doubt without weeks of steady rain and we await the RFU decision next week.

Pics by Dinger