Camberley scored first when a loose kick ahead was gathered by Tino who stepped a couple of players outside the opposition 22 and ran around the defence to score a simple unconverted try – Camberley 5-0 Guildford.

Guildford responded by gaining ground in Camberley 22 and went over for a converted try Camberley 5-7 Guildford.

Guildford repeated the score soon after when their giant young prop went over from 10metres out Camberley 5-14 Guildford.

A break by Tom Mcshein supported brilliantly by Bailey Walsh showed that Camberley did possess an attacking back line. Camberley 12-14 Guildford.

Following a short water break due to the heat, Jack Lear demonstrated that even after a couple of years away from the game he still possessed the legs to challenge the Guildford defence, nearly making the line and supported well by Lorenzo playing his first game for the club, who impressed with his attacking footwork in tight spaces. Scrum half Akim had a busy game and worked hard at digging the ball out of rucks and getting the ball out.

At this point Matt Bowers who was spectating in club blazer with pint in hand was encouraged to grab some kit and join the fray! Well done Bowers! Top man! His experience and voice helped coordinate the defence going forward. However Guildford scored a try from the base of the scrum near the Camberley line which went unconverted. Camberley 12-19 Guildford.

Akim then picked up a harsh yellow card for a high tackle – and half time soon followed.

As the second half started, Bailey Walsh scored a try after a typically determined run. But the try was not converted. Camberley 17-19 Guildford.

Camberley then displayed excellent interplay and passing with Matt Jenvey always competitive throughout the game, giving a nice offload to Matt Bowers to score a try and retake the lead. Camberley 22-19 Guildford.

Camberley competed hard throughout the game and fine performances were put in by the whole team, with Lawson Bailey showing great leadership and determination, Evan Rees-Jones and Jose Farfan competing hard in the back row and lineout with the support of young Tom Lampitt who had started on the wing putting in a competitive performance. Strong performances in the forwards from Zac Maher and Matt Jenvey who both worked hard all day.

Tom Dunne was always involved in the tight and Camberley were lucky to have Caelan Davis turn up after a few years away from rugby and put in an excellent performance in the loose as well as the scrum. Guildford’s main strength was their experience and power in the tight, particularly the scrum where Dexter Brody and Oskar Watson put up a valiant fight in the face of a heavier pack.

A lovely show and go by Lorenzo Zambelli put Tom Mcshein through for a clear run at the line and a converted try. Camberley 29-19 Guildford.

With Camberley threatening to run away with the score Guildford reverted to a forward game and their big prop crossed again for his second try. Camberley 29-24 Guildford.

A push over try for Guildford near the posts was converted and suddenly Guildford were ahead and celebrating like they won the world cup! Camberley 29-31 Guildford

A break away try seemed to suggest Camberley were done but the conversion was unconverted and Bowers showing great leadership encouraged Camberley to go for another score. Camberley 29-36 Guildford.

Just reward came with some lovely heads up rugby where the ball was passed to the outside and then brought into midfield where Akim found the space to go in under the posts for a converted try and the end of the game. Camberley 36 – 36 Guildford.

So ended a hard fought and entertaining game which did both sides credit and promises well for the season ahead. Well played Camberley Squirrels and good luck to Guildford for the season. See you at the return fixture.

Final Score Camberley 36 – 36 Guildford.