3s/ Development Lift President's Jug

This Cup Final was the finale for the development team this season and it was against good opposition, Chipstead 2nd XV, in the Surrey Presidents Jug Final. When the first half got underway, the elements were against us but when the sun was shining, it seemed like it was going to be a day for open running rugby and it was clear we were the better side in that area. Unfortunately, the same could not be said about scrum time; James, Louie and Rory were finding it tough against a very good pack. This resulted in an early substitute, bringing on the experienced Martin Hobley after 20 minutes. Eventually, even with Martin, the scrum proved to be the difference with the pack being pushed over. Chipstead’s attack all came through their forwards and it was not long before they secured a second. They had a large group of supporters and it felt like, in the rain and wind, it was not our day. The score line stayed that way at half time despite Chipstead having a lot of procession near our line – our defence was awesome.

The second half started the same as the first – Chipstead having a lot of the ball, using their forwards and getting extremely close to our line. Our defence stood strong with massive hits going in from so many players – Rory, Pete, Mua, Harry, Louie, and James just to name a few. The longer we held out, the more we grew in confidence. With about 20 minutes to go, Camberley found themselves in the opponent’s 22 for the first time since the first 10 minutes. Immediately, they made this territory count and worked their way over after a number of phases. Substitute Nick Johnson getting the try with Tom Allen getting the conversion. With the score line now 7-12, Camberley knew they were in it. It did not take the team long to get over again through some quick hands down the right. Gavin Murray, another substitute, got the try but Tom Allen was unable to make the conversion. The momentum was all with Camberley now and they were not going to miss their opportunity. Mua Inoke made a great break down the middle. The ball was recycled well before Tom Allen and Joe Bell linked well down the left before Joe managed to score under the posts with Tom Allen getting the conversion. Five minutes remaining and Camberley found themselves ahead for the first time. Chipstead were not done though, their forwards soon camped out on our try line and eventually forced their way over. Due to the competition rules, if it was a draw and both teams had equal tries, which they did, it was the team that scored first that would go through. This meant Chipstead had a kick at goal for the win – the conversion looked to be going over but, a strong gust of wind stopped the ball dead to rescue us. There was time for the kick off but the team managed to control the situation and end the game 19-17 winners. They voted Mua Man of the Match, we voted their loose head for his great scrummaging.

The development team has really grown this season. Coming second in the league and winning the Surrey Presidents Trophy. Four successful men’s teams, all capable of winning silverware, what great strength in depth the club has. What a great team and a fantastic club. Here is to an even better 2019-2020 season.

1. Louie Edwards
2. Rory McGrath
3. James Read
4. Luke Burton
5. Alex Gray (C)
6. Mua Inoke
7. Harry Paul
8. Oli Johnson-Walker
9. Alon Bernitz
10. Joe Bell
11. Andre Vernon
12. Pete Inoke
13. Ben Lovell-Smith
14. Kevin Bell
15. Tom Allen
16. Martin Hobley
17. Nick Johnson
18. Gavin Murray
Daniel Burnell (Team captain / Coach)

Report by Dan Burnell