U15s Quin’s Cup Final Report

Quin’s Cup Final – Gold medal Match - Hamstead Group
 
Venue: Farnham RFC
Opponents: Esher RFC
KO: 4PM Sunday 21st April 2024
Result: Camberley U15 (32) Esher U15 (22)
Half time: Camberley (10) Esher (17)
 
On Sunday 21st April, Camberley U15 team, complete with coaches, parents, friends and family arrived at Farnham Rugby Club to play their gold medal match against Esher.
Both teams arrived with unbeaten records having dominated their respective 5 team mini leagues staged after the Christmas break.
The weather was chilly, but bright and the pitch was firm.  Ideal rugby conditions and so no excuses possible.
Both teams warmed up for an hour before the KO and then at 4pm the battle commenced.  The touch line was crowded, both teams bringing great support and the atmosphere was one of nervous anticipation.
Camberley Kicked off long and we were underway. Camberley started the better and the pressure was rewarded with the first try of the match after 6 mins.  Lovely cross field kick by Will (E) and touched down by George.  Straight off the training ground…and possibly the TV.  The try was unconverted.  
From the re-start Esher found themselves exerting some pressure of their own.  They had some big strong runners, who started to punch some holes in our defence.  The lead lasted for about 7 mins, before they touched down for their first try, also unconverted.  
For the next 5 or 6 minuets the game ebbed and flowed, both teams threatening and both teams having to defend well. The forwards were well matched and having to be 100% committed to retain possession at the breakdown. Then after 20 mins, Camberley, scored their second try.  Another trainingground move.  From a line out a good driving maul by the pack and then Max unleashing the backs.  A loop between Will (E) and Ben (H) in midfield, created some space out wide.  George Webb making the decisive break and then putting Camberley’s speedy right winger Aaron away in some space with a well-timed pass.  There was still some work to do; using his pace he got clean away and then with a little change of direction and strong running evaded the covering defender to allow the final sprint to the try line.  A very popular try scorer, and a wonderful team try.  Try was unconverted and so Camberley edged ahead again.
Esher wouldn’t go away and for the remaining 8 minutes of the 1st half, they enjoyed good possession and territory scoring two tries in quick succession, with one being converted to snatch the lead at half time.
The equation was simple, to win the cup, Camberley would need to come from behind.
 
So, the second half kicked off and Camberley immediately found themselves playing in the right areas.  An early try was needed to settle the nerves and it duly arrived.  A nice chip from Will (E) and a good chase from Ben (H), a couple of unpredictable bounces from the ball, which evaded two defenders and Ben was able to collect it and touch down. Fortuitous yes, but a good lesson not to give up on a kick chase.  The conversion was slotted and within 3 minuets of the re-start Camberley and Esher were locked together at 17 apiece.
Once again, the battle for possession and territory was hard fought and then quite suddenly came the match winning spell.  Camberley scoring 3 unconverted tries in 7 minutes.  
The first came from good defence as Esher tried to play out from the back.  Good intercept by Will Evans who foundReece on his shoulder.  Reece looked like he would score butwas just held up.  Camberley re-cycled quickly, and a couple of quick passes saw George go in for his second of the game.  
Camberley now found themselves in the lead. 22 – 17.  
The second came straight from the re-start.  Strong return run from George, great little off load, and Tom (L) put the replacement speedy right winger Josh in for a super try.  27-17.
The third try in this match winning period was scored by George, who picked up the loose ball and dived over the line for his 3rd of the game. 32-17.
Whilst Camberley had some breathing space, there was stilltime for Esher to stage a come back and in fairness to them, they did start to look threatening again and certainly didn’t throw the towel in.  They came uncomfortably close a fewtimes, but some dogged defence and some good clearing kicks kept them out. Eventually the pressure told, and they scored an unconverted try to reduce the lead to 10 points 32-22.   The last few minutes was largely played in the Camberley half as Esher continued to pile on the pressure.  The game ended with Camberley kicking the ball out after the referee had called the final play.  Relief, elation, satisfaction are just a few of the words I would use to describe how I was feeling and I expect all those who were supporting Camberley were feeling the same.
 
Final score Camberley 32 Esher 22.
 
Esher took the defeat with a great spirit that typifies rugby.  The Camberley players and our awesome support then enjoyed the moment, took lots of pictures, before our superb captain Alex was presented with the cup and the celebrations ensued.  Still a little young to spray the champagne!
How to sum up…
Often, it is said that the important thing is to compete, and the winning doesn’t necessarily matter.  In this case I don’t believe that.  This was a fantastic team effort on the day itself, but also a true reflection how this new team from different schools have developed, improved and bonded into a fantastic group of lads and winning this game was the cherry on the cake and richly deserved.  Boys who scored tries are of coursementioned, but if there was ever an example of a team performance this was it. 20 heroes.  The physicality of rugbycreates a special team bonding that is hard to replicate in other sports.  The whole team contributed to this epic Quins cup campaign.  There is an old adage in Rugby.  Forwards win matches, the backs determine by how much.  Never a true word…
 
There were two boys that couldn’t play, because of injury.  Issac was injured on tour and was cruelly ruled out for this final.  Still, he turned up to support his mates.  And then there was Fletcher, injured for a large part of the season.  Not only did he turn up to this game, but he also turned up to every training session and every match, whether home or away.  I don’t need to say anymore…
 
Congratulations Camberley U15s!!!  You have made your coaches, your family and friends so proud.  Let your rugby journeys continue as you start again next season in the Junior academy.
 
…end…

Report written by James Hollingsworth.