CAMBERLEY SLIP UP AT BATTLING BANBURY

CAMBERLEY SLIP UP AT BATTLING BANBURY

BANBURY 34 CAMBERLEY 24

Saturday saw Camberley have their first of three re-arranged fixtures at lowly Banbury who are battling in the lower three clubs to remain in the division. The conditions were good at the fine Banbury club. Although still without hooker Mike Clarke, tight head Nick Barry and flanker Alex Hughes, they were boosted by Liam Prescott returning at fly half.

After they kicked off Cam attacked immediately and in two minutes a penalty leading to the line out on 5 metres saw the forwards drive well to send winger George Owen over for the try. It was converted by Liam. Then keeping up the early pressure Cam made a great break down the right saw flanker Hamish James over on the right. Although unconverted it was a 12 – nil score with just five minutes played.

There then followed twenty minutes of equal play with Camberley seeing their pack very unusually for this season looking well held by Banbury. There were also several errors which were capitalised on by the well drilled home team. Their work was rewarded by yet another ball lost by Camberley after their penalty which lead to a try for Banbury they converted to give a 7 – 12 score.

After a fine move by Cam driving metres towards the line the ball was frustratingly lost and then followed by another unsuccessful attack. Then on 38 minutes the hosts took a Cam line out ball on halfway then on their attack secured a penalty in front duly converted. Cam were then down to 14 men with a naughty step break given by the official. At half time it was a close 10 – 12 scoreline.

After no doubt a tough talk at the interval it should have paved the way for immediate second half attacking action for Cam. But straight from the kick off Banbury themselves attacked on the right and scored a converted try which was duly converted. One minute gone and now a 17 – 12 lead for the hosts. Cam did hit back with good attacks but a line out mistake led to a Banbury attack for two thirds of the pitch with Cam only repelling by sturdy defence. Then on came prop Harry Challenor and wing Josh Lewanituva and Cam also returned to 15 men after the ten minute sin bin.

But by now Banbury were continuing to play well and capitalising on any errors by Cam. So in 13 minutes after a neat chip they scored by the posts with the easy conversion giving a 24 – 12 lead. A hosts penalty from 30 metres followed by the line out was repelled by Cam. Then after 20 minutes skipper Chris Bird was off with a nasty looking shoulder injury. Five minutes later a Cam scrum error saw Banbury gather and score to earn a 31 – 12 lead after the conversion.

Nineteen points down then saw Cam at last step up their game in a fine five minute burst. At 28 minutes a forwards drive saw prop Greg Franzel over for Liam to convert. Then just two minutes later a fine break to the right ended with the flying Josh scoring in the corner. Not converted but but an encouraging scoreline for Camberley of 31 – 24 with nine minutes to play.

Two more attacks by Cam were repelled then Banbury finished the stronger. Their efforts led to a penalty in front of the posts with two minutes remaining. They duly converted to give a 34 – 24 score and valuable five points that were well deserved.

Cam will rue the errors and of course the ten point defeat. But the point gained puts them in second slot with three matches to play. Next Saturday Oxford Quins are the visitors to Watchetts.

MATCH REPORT BY NEIL DOODY