Camberley 30 - 10 Redingensians

This was something of a last minute fixture with our original opposition,Sutton & Epsom, unable to field a side to play us. Both Camberley and 'Ensians were keen to get game time under their belts as both squads build towards their respective League and cup campaigns.

As is often the way in friendlies it was agreed that 3 x 20 minute matches would be played. 'Ensians were very keen to give their new recruits a good run out.

1. Camberley 13 - 5 Redingensians.
'Ensians were slow to start with pre-season cobwebs desperately needing to be blown away. The match was closer than the score suggests, but one of the key differences between the sides today was the opposition strength in depth in kicking. Their 10 could slot from just about anywhere and opened the scoring after the visitors gave away several penalties. From just inside the 'Ensians half he slotted comfortably. This was followed by a converted try resulting from missed tackles.

This seemed to spark the blues into action with Wareham, Dolton and George in particular showing a desire to make ground. Weir latched onto several crash balls to trouble the opposition. Initially the backs were far too lateral but his started to improve as the matches unfolded. The 'Ensians try came from a training ground move that had the opposition chasing shadows from a lineout. It resulted in Sharp galloping down the touch line to score from just outside the oppositions 22..

The final score of the match came from yet another penalty by Camberley.

2. Camberley 7 - 5 Redingensians.
Several changes were made in both position and personnel and a very tight match ensued. Leicester opened the scoring when he picked up a lose ball on the opposition 10 metre line and set off on one of his mazy runs down the left wing stepping inside and out before going over to score. Lu made a great break down the left but unfortunately spilt the ball just short of the try line.

Richardson was playing a cracker at Scrum half, marshalling his forwards well and putting pressure on his opposite number at scrum time.Tsang also had a good match on the wing, making several breaks and putting in several cracking cover tackles.

Having had the balance of play it was once again a missed tackle that let the opposition break out to score. They converted comfortably.

3. Camberley 10 - 0 Redingensians.
The final match was error and penalty strewn with both side struggling to hold on to the ball and to put any phases together. Injuries took their toll as George, Weir, Sharp and debutant Schwartz all took heavy knocks. George had planned a head and thought to bring his own personal masseuse to the match. Smart guy!

Camberley took the honours with a converted try and another mammoth penalty kick from just inside the half.

Overall whilst it is always disappointing to lose it was a creditable performance. Three try's to two, but what a difference having a player that can place kick makes!

Great to see the new guys out; Cronin, Schwartz, Somers & Bright, all of whom put in solid performances. Plenty to work on, but plenty looking very promising.

Men of the match; well done to Richardson and Tsang for taking the awards.

Thanks for all the travelling support, including injured players Stevens and Baker.