FIVE TRY CAMBERLEY HELD BY PENALTIES

LONDON 2 SOUTH WEST EFFINGHAM & LEATHERHEAD 29 CAMBERLEY 29

FIVE TRY CAMBERLEY HELD BY PENALTIES

Two matches with maximum points gained for Camberley as the visited Effingham & Leatherhead on Saturday.

Early positive play from Camberley saw territory gained and good forwards pressure. After six minutes a break by number eight Mac Duabie saw the ball worked left for winger Liam Lazarus to touch down and the fine conversion by Tom Dunn give a 7 – 0 lead over the Eagles. Although continuing the early work the Eagles fought back and in ten minutes from a loose ball pick up they scored under the posts and the conversion meant a 7 – 7 scoreline.

Six minutes later Eagles were ahead from a penalty slotted by scrum half Brian Collins. The lead encouraged the hosts to some good forwards possession but Camberley fought back and although missing a penalty after 25 minutes were soon after back in the lead. A fine move to the left in 29 minutes saw a second try for Liam Lazarus in the corner unable to be converted.

The lead of 12 – 10 was stretched after 33 minutes with a move this time out right with centre Ollie Wright bursting through for a good try converted by Tom Dunn giving a 10 – 19 score to Camberley. Eagles soon reduced the arrears with a second penalty then Camberley resumed their pressure nearly scoring from a chip ahead as the interval approached. So half time and a 13 – 19 scoreline.

After the break it was Eagles who started well gaining valuable possession leading to their second try after 5 minutes. Their moves led to a try under the posts duly converted so gaining a narrow 20 – 19 lead. The hosts boosted by the lead continued to press but the Camberley defence held out and after 12 minutes broke away after a line out with flanker Alex Hughes over for the try which was unconverted.

Eagles reduced the arrears after 15 minutes to yet again one point at 23 – 24 with another penalty slotted by the experienced Brian Collins. Camberley failed to stretch the score despite promising moves including a fine break by centre Ollie Wright. They paid the price as with 32 minutes gone a fourth penalty safely over by Eagles saw them lead 26 – 24.

Camberley seeing time slipping away put in the hard work up front and with five minutes remaining set up a fine try for Ollie Wright which was unable to be converted. So a fragile lead 26 – 29 as time slipped away.

Camberley kept the momentum with good territory gained from mid field penalties but at the finally lost possession and the advance by Eagles saw the fifth penalty award with the 30 metre kick duly over from the boot of Brian Collins. The final whistle followed for the 29 – 29 draw.

With a five tries to two count on favour of Camberley but just two converted they will surely rue the five penalties capably struck by the Eagles to ensure the draw in a close and well fought match.

REPORT BY NEIL DOODY 24 SEPTEMBER 2016