Cam play catch-up to take three points
STRONG SECOND HALF NARROWED GAP AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE
CAMBERLEY narrowed the gap on Regional One South Central leaders Havant to just three points after beating Hammersmith & Fulham 28-57 away on Saturday.
Hosts Hammersmith raced into a seven point lead in just two minutes. They took advantage of early loose play and used well a penalty award.
Camberley were rewarded with a penalty after ten minutes duly slotted by Matt Smart in only their first real attack.
Four minutes later and Hammersmith scored again after a free-kick from a line out duly converted so 14–3.
But Camberley fought back and after a good move out right, a fine cross kick by flyhalf Smart saw a gather then try in the left corner by George Owen. Smart celebrated with an excellent conversion from wide out.
Boosted by the score the forwards started their now usual control and in 30 minutes a solid drive and over went loose head Greg Franzel and, with Smart converting, it was 17-14.
But more loose play and untidy handling let the hosts in for a try by the posts duly converted in 38 minutes.
Half time and an interval score to Hammersmith of 21–17.
Clearly there must have been strong words to Camberley during the interval which paid off with a score in two minutes in the second half. Forward Ed Grosvenor had entered the fray for the second half and he obliged with the try from a drive following a line out. The conversion gave a modest three point lead.
This was again short-lived with yet more loose play – losing the ball in midfield – then Hammersmith scoring after a kick ahead.
The conversion meant a 28–24 scoreline and only five minutes played.
But with the pack now very dominant the lead was regained after seven minutes in real style.
Scrum half Max McCarthy gathering in midfield broke through his pace evading the tackles to score a magnificent try between the posts. With the conversion Cam were now in the lead again at 31–28 and could now accelerate the match tempo.
In another ten minutes 12 more points were achieved and only 20 minutes played. Firstly Camberley attacked left after a penalty on the 22 for George Owen after being brought down. He then duly scored in the corner.
The next try was created by tight head Nick Barrie with a bullocking run on the right setting up lock Dom Sammut to score by the posts for Smart to convert. At 28–43 there was plenty of time for more scores.
After 30 minutes a good break by full-back Ben Stevens created the movement to then score himself in the right corner.
Another fine touchline conversion Smart brought up the 50 points.
The scoring was completed with three minutes remaining. The defence was wide open as Connor Hayhow strolled through for the final try with Smarty converting. So a 28–57 scoreline with a dominant performance throughout yet with several handling errors.
The pack yet again in control with Nick Barrie catching the eye with a fine match.
On Saturday, Camberley host London Welsh. by