Cam collect another 5 points as they beat local rivals Farnham

On a bright and breezy afternoon it was fantastic to see three sides at home against local rivals Farnham with 1s, 2s and Vets all in action, a packed clubhouse and loads of expectation in both camps. In the end the 1s flattered to deceive by claiming their bonus point try within 30 mins and then relaxing to such an extent that the visitors were able to claim a losing bonus point with the final kick of the game. The 2s were comfortable winners 31-19 in their clash and the Vets, apparently lacking any recognised backs (at least thats what Andy and Marti claimed), lost to a very competent Farnham side by 34 points to nil.
Cam kicking off and playing away from the clubhouse were soon on the scoreboard when the defensive kick by the visitors went directly into touch having been taken back into the 22.
The subsequent lineout, just inside their 22, was taken and driven forward by the black and amber pack until the drive was adjudged to have been pulled down by the visitors.
The decision to go for the 5m lineout provided another chance to catch and drive and Cam found little opposition as they drove over with Jono claiming the touch down after just 2 mins.
The restart saw Farnham kick the ball straight out but although they won the scrum the aggressive Cam defence soon turned the ball over found themselves back in the visitors 22 but a good catch and drive was held up this time and the visitors were let off the hook.
A great run by Laz, back after an injury layoff, soon saw play move back into the visitors 22 and good quick hands saw Ash cross for the second try with only 12 mins gone. The conversion attempt by TommyD hit the post.
The restart was well managed by Cam and when the visitors tried to keep a touch kick in play Ash was on hand to intercept a very poor defensive pass to run in from their 10m line and touch down under the posts – and so with TommyD adding the extras with just 14 mins played the score was 17-0.
The restart saw the visitors manage a few phases but they were turned over and great hands by Will, Joe and Phil saw play again move into the visitors 22.
The game then became more fragmented - the scrums becoming difficult to understand with, according to our expert scrum coach, the two looseheads winning their individual battles resulting in a frequently spiralling set piece. Then, although at this stage Cam had the majority of possession and territory, poor decision making, ball retention and some outrageously optimistic passing meant that there was no addition to the score until the 30th minute when a great lineout saw the ball passed wide by Will to Laz and then Phil who dived over in the corner for the bonus point try and a score of 22-0.
The rest of the half saw the visitors begin to get into the game but they were unable to breach the Cam defence.
With Risey pleading with his side at half time to up their game and cut out the errors the ever faithful supporters were hopeful that they would witness 40 mins of the exhilarating rugby they have become accustomed, to counter the chill wind, but they were to be sadly disappointed as the errors and poor decision making continued in a half best forgotten by Cam – suffice it to say that the visitors scored a very soft try on 50 mins and in time added on scored an excellent try which started deep in their 22 and then to add insult to injury, from the restart the black and ambers conceded yet another soft penalty which was converted with the last kick of the match to give a final score 22-15.
So another 5 points leaves the black and ambers 7 points clear of Teddington in second place and 15 ahead of Farnham with a game in hand, so despite the performance it was a good afternoon for the boys from Watchetts.
It was good to see skipper Roger Wood, missing since the New Year, come on in the second half and although his first pass was more akin to a cricketing daisycutter, he soon was up to speed and it was disappointing that his trademark yapping at his pack did not produce the results it deserved.
Next week we are away at Old Tiffs in the rearranged fixture – ko will be 2.30pm.
Like the events at Watchetts the home side at Kingsholm also conceded a score in time added on – this time it resulted in a 1 point defeat for the C&W who now take the trip to the Wreck on Friday needing 4 points if they are to start to move up to the business end of the premiership.