Cobham Rugby

Match Report: Camberley 42 Cobham 22

Cam take the honours in this first league encounter

The Camberley match programme refers to this league fixture against 'Cam' as the first in living memory although there have been some cup matches

Sitting third in the table and having secured high scoring wins against local rivals Chobham and Hove in recent weeks Cobham knew that this game  would be a hard fought contest. 

With seven changes to the squad following last weeks close defeat to Medway Cobham started well and within 5 minutes Buffini playing out of position at centre burst through the home side back line to collect a kick ahead from Farrelly to open the score 0-5 becoming 0-7 with Farrelly converting. Cam enjoy strong support along the touch line and there was some shock evident that Cobham had opened the scoring with some ease.

Cam regrouped and benefited from an infringment to secure a penalty converted by Matt Smart 3-7 but within minutes Farrelly had responded for an offside 3-10.

Camberley enjoyed the advantage in the scrums and it was only quick ball that allowed Cobham to benefit on their put in but turnovers were consistent and with a penalty awarded a 5 metre line out enabled Cam to secure the ball and captain Josh Watson went over for a converted try 10-10 scores level 

From the restart Cam came again and strong running from hooker Dylan Emerton created space and back row Alex Hughes crossed and Smart converted 17-10 

Cobham were now on the back foot but for the remainder of the first half they had more of the possession and territory and but for some inconsistency in their line out could have drawn level. There was a blistering charge by Tom Davison and McQuade always looked dangerous and it certainly needed a strong defence from Camberley to avoid the score.

Cobham needed the next score to stay in touch but with Hughes scoring his second after a strong run and Smart converting 24-10 looked to be a crucial gap and it was extended when a penalty sailed over 27-10 

This was were Cobham showed their fight clawing their way back into Cam territory and using the same kick ahead that won them their first try this time winger Tiernan White outpaced his oppostion to score in the corner 27-15. Farrelly then kicked possibly the bet judged conversion of the season judging the wind to perfection even if he did need a cross bar for support 27-17 

Cam collected a penalty to go 30-17 and from the restart brother Josh Wright put Ash over 35-17.  That could have disheartened Cobham but showing great spirit they responded with Tiernan White's second try 35-22 and although Cam finished the scoring with a further try to run out 42-22 

Director of rugby Steve Pope said
 
We are so far away from where we should be as a team. Unfortunately the league table doesn't lie... We are clearly a side capable of beating anyone home or away on any given day. Yet our inability to commit to training and playing regularly is highlight every week as we come close to performing against the top sides in the competition. Yet still coming up short, we will keep at it and hope both player availability and injuries allow us to field the same squads consistently I'd even settle for two weeks in a row as a start. 
 
I am as always very proud of the boys today and with each game the value in the jersey is becoming greater... I can't question the effort and application on the field. We will continue to work on getting that availability  to train and play across the squad as we head into this really important block of games up to Christmas."

 

1.Sam Matcham
2.Andrew Murphy 
3.Mario Zakakiotis 
4.Tom Davison 
5.Jacques Le Roux
6.Nathan Spratt 
7.Olly Fox (c)
8.Jake McQuade 

9.Ryan Saunders (vc)
10.Tom Farrelly
11.Max MacDonald 
12.Theo Buffini
13.James MacDonald
14.Tiernan White 
15.Rory Penfold 

16.Ryan Aujla
17.Harry Green 
18.Freddie Joyce

Scores 
Saturdays Results 
Camberley 42 Cobham 22
Scores 
No14 Tiernan White x 2 Tries 
No 12 Theo Buffini x 1 Try
No 10 Tom Farrelly x 2 Conversions x 1 Penalty