On Sunday the 16th of February, a mixed Camberley RFC U15s side took on Windsor RFC U15s development side for friendly match. Windsor had the strength of chemistry as they had played together regularly, whereas the U15s squad used this as an opportunity to focus on development players with support from some more experienced players in a competitive match.

In true grass roots rugby fashion, the pitch at Camberley had seen better days and the weather threatened to break for the full 60 minutes of Junior rugby.

The first action of the day was from referee Cameron R, blowing the whistle for scrum –half, Ben B, to start the game. The first penalty of the game went to Windsor, after not rolling away, although this was quickly forgotten as Camberley's impressive defense managed to turn the ball over, driving into Windsor’s 5m line.

Windsor won a penalty, saving them from a probable try, they took a quick penalty to win back their half, reaching halfway within a few phases. In the first quarter, Camberley’s defense kept Windsor firmly in their own half. Some great interventions from winger Vinay P, prevented the outside channels being breached, making it clear this would be a tight game.

However, Windsor were the first to be on the score board with their fly half running in, after breaking the line from halfway. This was then converted putting Windsor 7 points up (0 – 7).

Getting back to it, Camberley’s restart play and pressure, forced Windsor into knocking the ball into touch. Unfortunately, after consistent possession, changes and some broken play, Windsor scored their second try, which again was converted due a miss tackle (0 – 14).

Instead of going into their shell ,Camberley came back, with backrower Ben R scoring Camberley’s first try, after a well defended Strike play, which got the ball all the way to Windsor's try line. This was well converted by Chester P making the score 7 - 14.

However, Windsor weren’t done, after some impressive defending , they scored their third converted try before half time ,running in, from deep within their own half. At this point it appeared it would be a long day for the black and golds (7- 21).

The second half more seemed more balanced with both teams defending well without conceding. Camberley used their set pieces well, to launch strike moves from which gave them great momentum in open play.

Unfortunately, Windsor were the ones who broke the dry spell, scoring their fourth try with a missed conversion (7 – 26).

Refusing to go quietly, Camberley came back scoring a second try, from Cian H ,after a well worked try stretching the Windsor defense before an excellent finish beating several defenders (12 – 26).

Soon after, the Squirrels, seized an opportunity to score, with Radley H scoring the finale try, running it in from the edge. This was confidently converted by Luke B for the last points of the game. Making the finale score 19 – 26.

Whilst closely missing out on victory, the under 15s Camberley team can hold their heads high, re-enforced by parents from both sides stating “it was a great game and fairly contested”. The game was a great display of grass roots rugby, with both teams leaving it all on the pitch, it really highlights the values of the game. With all types of abilities playing together it grows a stronger bond within the team and within the game. What a great example of the sport, with a very bright new generation of players.