Camden Slog Out Win at Vikings

[najmulseo2020]

MatchReportThe Camden Rams survived to fight another day in the IDRU Builders Club Premiership race for 2014 with a rain affected 27 points to 10 Minor Semi-Final win over Vikings. The match played at Vikings home ground on Sunday, deteriorated into a slog fest in the second half as rain fell persistently from just before half-time.

The Rams scored three tries to one in the first half to go to a 20 – 5 lead

As both sides showed they were prepared to play a running game in search of a place in next week’s Final against Avondale. Although Vikings showed they were not going to easily concede victory in this match without a fight it was the Rams who looked most likely to move forward to next week.

But as the rain set in, the game quickly changed face and became phone number list bogged down in slippery conditions with handling errors and frustration all round becoming the order for the second half. As well as the weather creating frustration amongst the combatants some questionable interpretations by the officials added further angst for the players.

With both sides chancing their arm in attack

Play moved back and forth from the kick off, until Rams hooker Dave Gleeson posted the first try. After some scrappy play close to the Vikings line, Gleeson grabbed possession of the ball and straightened up the attack to catch the Blueys defense flat footed. His try to the side of the posts after eleven minutes, was converted by Lee Russell for the Rams to lead 7 – 0.

Five minutes later Vikings left winger Ryan Anderson joined the backline on the right in a set play, racing clear to post their first points with an unconverted try in the corner.

Rams center Junior Mapesone put on Camden’s second try with a strong individual effort after 30 minutes when he made a clever run into the clubhouse corner bouncing and spinning his way through half a dozen defenders to score.

It was all Camden through to the break

With their third try coming from a well-executed set play from a lineout just inside Vikings half. The Camden inside backs took play to the right after the lineout, and when a tackle was made in mid field, quickly switched play back to the left where fullback Mark June changed the angle of the attack. He cleverly positioned winger Jake Sadler for a clear run to the line to score. Lee Russell added a penalty goal on the stroke of half-time for the Rams to lead 20 – 5.

With the drizzling rain persisting into the second half, Camden gained field position after a couple of penalties to have a lineout close to Vikings line. Rangy Flanker Mark Nightingale wrapped around the back of the lineout to score their fourth try, converted by Lee Russell for Camden to lead 27 – 5 with five minutes gone in the half.