Cam U21s Win Surrey U21 Dev Tier Cup

On a day that did not provide the greatest environment for free flowing rugby Camberley U21's won the Surrey U21 development tier cup. This now means next season this young group of players will be playing against Championship and National League U21 sides. Chobham U21 had played Old Johnians U21 on the same pitch as a curtain raiser and the final of the shield competitions for the two losing semi-finals, an enthralling counter saw Chobham edge OJs 13-8.

A healthy crowd had gathered on the top pitch seeing Camberley U21 kick off into the wind, Old Ruts U21 applied the early pressure, an excellent driving run from the Old Ruts hooker, who was their standout player throughout the game resulted in a penalty, this was dispatched by the Old Ruts fly half to take a 3-0 lead. Camberley responded strait away, a driving run by centre Dec Kavanagh resulted in penalty for Camberley, Matt Wilson kicked the ball to the corner, an excellent line-out won by Aidan Buckingham was set into a driving maul, the power and technique of the Cambs pack was to much for OR's and Josh Brown went over in the corner for the first score.

The pitch had descended into something of a quagmire, but fine handling on the end of a excellent strike move saw Matt Wilson put centre Jake Smalley into space on the outside channel, Beating two defender Jake Smalley finished a in the back left corner.

The weather closed in and driving rain caused the match to become a war of attrition, numerous handling errors ensured OR's enjoyed a lengthy periods of possession, their captain playing at lock was carrying well and leading his side back into the match with some powerful running. Camberley's defence stood firm and some physical defence from Michael Parnaby, Ed Grovesnor and Mua Inoke resulted in a turn over. After a fine run from Ed Grovesnor and some slick handling Angus Hamilton crashed over the line to increase the lead before the half.

After the half time break the weather eased, but the pitch now a true bog was taking its toll on the players energy levels, scrum half Tom Youngs drove his players on with some fine breaks from scrum half and excellent attacking play that created a fine move down the blind side, the Camberley players showed excellent handling with both forwards and backs creating space in tight conditions to free Ben Lovell-Smith down the wing beating two more players on his way to the try line.

A further two tries from substitute Matt Walley sealed the win, and Tom Youngs capped off a fine individual performance with a try right on the final whistle. Fly Half Matt Wilson was excellent with the boot converting five of the sevens tries.

Considering almost all of this squad are around for the next two season its is extremely exciting to see what they can achieve against some of the Championship and National League u21s sides. The squad made up from players from the academy over the past two seasons has performed remarkably well in their first year of existence, special mention must go to coaches Ken Taylor, Steve Kelly, Barry John, Marc Ainsworth and Michael Clarke for their work with this group of players this season and over the past season whilst their were in the Academy.

Squad

1. Mua Inoke 2. Josh Brown 3. James Kinnell 4. Aidan Buckingham 5. Angus Hamilton 6. Shawa Rai 7. Michael Parnaby (C) 8. Ed Grovesnor 9. Tom Youngs 10. Matt Wilson 11. Aaron Thorley 12. Dec Kavanagh 13. Jake Smalley 14. Max Rattudina 15. Seb Francis 16. Reece Ritchie 17. Nick Barry 18. Jack Lear 19. Matt Walley 20. Ben Lovell-Smith 21.Will Hazeldon