Ladies Reports
Match Report: Camberley 0 – Guildford 12
A depleted Camberley side were denied a losing bonus point with the last attack of the game, in atrocious conditions on Sunday, going down 12-0 at home to Guildford.
Injuries meant changes all over, and Camberley started with only 13 available players. A much changed pack saw Dee MacKenzie-Jones move into the front row, Gemma Martin into the second row, and Kate Chapman and Lindsey Aire move into the back row, replacing injured trio Jacqui McGreal, Natalie Saunders and SJ Gasser. Michelle Poulain came in for her first start of the season, with a numerically disadvantaged set of backs knowing they’d be in for a hard shift all afternoon.
Playing into a combination of torrential rain, sleet, and heavy wind, the opening ten minutes set the tone for the game, with neither side able to get much momentum, and the game became bogged down – almost literally – in midfield. The conditions made it hard to move the ball around, and handling errors by both sides meant the ebb and flow of the game was constantly interrupted by scrum after scrum. Despite their size advantage in the pack,Guildford didn’t manage to gain any advantage in the set-piece, with Camberley getting a couple of free-kicks for early hits, and a penalty for collapsing. The conditions and numbers made it hard for Camberley to get their backs going, with Siobhan Brooks and Sarah Jackson having to take the ball into contact, and try to work the phases. Neither side were able to break the defensive line with any regularity, indeed it took a run out wide by the Guildford prop to actually cause any problems to either defence, with a tackle by Berrytaking her into touch ending the marauding run.
Midway through the first half,Guildford opened the scoring, with a well-worked try. A reset scrum in centre-field was played through the hands out to the their inside centre, who curved her run around the out-numbered Camberley backs, and touched down in the corner, despite the efforts of Brooks. Conversion was missed, not surprisingly given the conditions to leave Camberley 5-0 down. Had Guildfordcontinued with this tactic, they probably could’ve had an easier afternoon, but great scrambling from Camberley made things difficult for them, and not allowing them the chance to spread the game. Both sets of forward were, by now, pretty indistinguishable due to the muddy conditions, and the carrying by the Camberley back-row allowed some respite. On the one occasion that Guildford did vary things, with a chip into space, Kiersty Sims did well to recover an awkward (lack of) bounce, and allow a chance to clear. The first half petered out, with Camberley actually ending the half with 12 players, after Jess Mourad turned her ankle. Happily, she reappeared for the second half.
The second half continued in much the same vein.Guildford again carried most of the attacking threat, such as it was, and had most of the possession. However, as the first half, Camberley scrambled and harried and disrupted their opponents at every opportunity, and had a few spells of possession and pressure of their own. A number of penalties, into the wind, gave Camberley a chance to get into the Guildford 22. From one, Debbie Haydon chipped over the top of the visitors defence, but their full-back was well placed to touch down in the goal area. Carries by Hannah French and Chapman gained yards for Camberley, and with the wind and rain dropping, allowed our backs to get the ball in hands more often. Hamstrung by lack of numbers however meant tactics had to be varied, and a number of kicks into space by Haydon continued to put Guildford on the back foot.
On one of the few occasions that Guildford did get the ball wide, they worked a three-on-one overlap, set up by a great dummy pass, but their winger – wearing the cleanest shirt on the pitch by some considerable margin – spilt the ball forward under pressure from Mourad. The tackling from Camberley was a notable feature, managing to work double-tackles on the Guildford centres, with first Poulain and Brooks, and then Sims and Jackson both tag-teaming their opposite numbers.
Pressure increased on the Guildfordback-line, and Camberley managed to force a number of penalties from a couple of chips into space by Haydon. With the wind picking up again, kicking for touch wasn’t really an option, so Sanderson resorted to tap-and-go penalties. From one, Deearced around the a few players to take Camberley into the opposition 22. Scrambling defence from Guildford stopped the attack dead, and allowed them the chance to clear. From the next phase, Sims got hit hard in the tackle, and had to go off with a shoulder injury, dropping Camberley down to 12 players. Despite this, Camberley then enjoyed another decent spell of possession, with Jackson and Poulain working a great move out wide that Guildford stopped only with the concession of a penalty. Sanderson’s tap-and-go was stopped immediately, resulting in the penalty being moved forward ten metres. Dee and Aire then burrowed forward, but when the ball was recycled out wide,Guildford managed to force the turnover, and clear.
As the game headed towards a conclusion, the lack of bodies finally told against Camberley, as Guildford closed the game out. Another set-piece was worked quickly out wide, and a four-on-two overlap sent the inside centre down the touchline. She managed to break past a desperate tackle, and was able to touch-down under the posts, leaving a simple conversion, and completing a 12-0 victory. Camberley battled immensely hard, in appalling conditions, and can consider themselves massively unlucky not to get anything from their endeavours.
Match Report : Beckenham 53 – 0 Camberley
A depleted Camberley side suffered their heaviest defeat of the season to a powerful Beckenham side who scored nine tries – four in the last quarter of the game – allowing the hosts to keep up the pressure on New Ash Green at the top of the table.
Camberley travelled to Kent with only 14 available players, which included starts for Abbie at blindside, and Astrid on the wing. With the wind blowing diagonally into their faces, Camberley were likely to spend a lot of time under pressure in the first half, and so it transpired. The first couple of minutes were spent in and around the Camberley 22, but solid defence kept Beckenham at bay. On the one occasion that the defensive line was broken with a delicate grubber-kick, Astrid was on hand to cover and tidy up.
A major test was always likely to be in the set-piece, with a large Beckenham pack looking to take advantage of their size and power, yet the Camberley scrum matched them, and managed to win the first scrum against the head with Jess Mourad reacting quickly, giving more respite to their defence. When Beckenham did manage to get a scrum right, the ball was recycled to their prop who bounced a couple of tackles, only to knock-on with the line in sight. This only delayed Beckenham, who took the lead shortly after. After Kiersty Sims had denied them with another tackle on the try-line, Camberley were given offside. A quick penalty was driven over from close range, before Camberley had a chance to regroup. The conversion from out wide was missed, into a howling wind.
Attacking opportunities were limited for the visitors at this stage, with a break through the centre from a scrum by Debbie Haydon being the sole chance in the opening quarter. Camberley were however having some success with the set-piece, with the scrum causing Beckenham problems, and the line-out working well. It was therefore a surprise when Beckenham extended their lead. A rolling maul from Camberley was stolen, and their centre broke free from their ten-metre line to score under the posts despite a last-ditch tackle from Siobhan Brooks. The conversion gave Beckenham a 12-0 lead.
After Beckenham’s scrum had again been turned over, with SJ Gasser and Kate Chapman causing havoc at the breakdown, a collapsed scrum by Beckenham tight-head caused a knee injury to Jacqui McGreal. With no front-row cover, the referee was forced to move to uncontested scrums, a move which, whilst not affecting the result of the game, arguably made things significantly easier for Beckenham considering the problems Camberley were causing them at the set-piece. After the delay for McGreal’s injury, the first half ended quietly, though Beckenham did extend their lead with the last play of the half, when their prop powered over again from close range.
Now down to 13 players, Camberley were always going to be in for a hard shift in the second half, and they were under pressure immediately from the restart. A couple of desperate tackles from Haydon and Chapman denied Beckenham, and clearing kicks from Sanderson, Haydon and Brooks from deep inside the Camberley 22 relieved the pressure. Indeed, it wasn’t until ten minutes into the second half that Beckenham extended their lead. A scrum in midfield was worked out to the centre who stormed home from the 22, and dotting down under the posts, to make the conversion easier in the blustery conditions.
The pressure continued on Camberley, with Sarah Jackson brilliantly dealing with an up-and-under on her own five-metre line, evading a couple of tackles and holding up well for support to arrive. Attacking chances were slim, though Sims was also able to break out of Camberley territory, before being stopped up near half-way, and a couple of off-loads in centre-field by Hannah French setting up a few half-breaks. Lindsey’s arrival into the game also allowed Camberley some reinforcement, but the effort involved in keeping the score-line down when down to 13 eventually took its toll, with Beckenham scoring two tries in quick succession either side of the hour. The first came from a hack forward in midfield, which was grounded under the posts despite a hint of a knock-on. Then straight from the restart, the ball was played out to their no.8 who powered home from the Beckenham ten- metre line. Shortly afterwards, another Beckenham (uncontested) scrum in midfield was worked out to their inside-centre on their ten-metre line who coasted home under the posts.
As the match edged towards a conclusion, Beckenham managed to break the 50-point mark with two late tries, as both wingers scored in almost identical fashion, after quick penalties against Camberley. The game ended with another injury, with one of the Beckenham players being knocked out in the last play of the match, before being taken to hospital. The score-line was a harsh reflection on the effort and applications put in by Camberley, as they only tired in the last quarter, and were eventually undone by a powerful and ruthless Beckenham side.
Match Report : Camberley 8 – 12 New Ash Green
Camberley fell just short in their first game of 2012, losing a close, feisty encounter to New Ash Green 12-8, a result that allowed the visitors to go top of the league.
Early on, it was backs to the wall for Camberley, who defended strongly, and didn’t allow Ash Green any gaps to run through. After a number of attacks were halted, Sarah Jackson made a tackle on their winger, which drove them out of the 22. A penalty for offside led to an Ash Green line out on the Camberley 5 metre line, but a knock on allowed Camberley a chance to clear the danger.
The respite was only temporary, as Ash Green set up a maul which was driven backwards by Camberley. As Ash Green recycled possession, another tackle by Jackson forced a turnover. Before any momentum could be gained, possession was spilled forward, leading to an Ash Green scrum. From this, they worked the ball out to their winger on the 22, who arced round the defensive line, and touched down in the corner. The conversion drifted wide, leaving Camberley 5-0 behind after the first ten minutes.
From the restart came Camberley’s turn to enjoy possession in the opponent’s 22. A scrum – one of many in the opening half – was played back to Siobhan Brooks, who burst through a gap in the centre, only to be stopped by Ash Green’s full-back. The ball was quickly worked out to Natalie Saunders who broke the line, but Camberley were unable to move possession on from there. Ash Green were able to win a scrum against the head and clear to their ten metre line. Caz Chapman returned the ball, but was taken out by a high tackle, leading to a penalty, the first of many for Camberley, though nothing came of it, as Camberley spilled possession forward.
The visitors nearly added to their advantage after 20 minutes. A box kick from the scrum-half for Ash Green bounced awkwardly in midfield, and was wildly hacked on towards the Camberley line. It became a foot-race for the line between the two no.15s, with Kiersty Sims doing enough to force her counterpart to knock-on over the line. However, Ash Green weren’t to be denied for long, scoring in almost identical circumstances. Turning over possession in their own 22, another box-kick by the Ash Green scrum-half this time found nobody at home for Camberley, and their player was able to pick the ball up almost on the centre spot and run home under the posts. This time the conversion was simple, leaving Camberley 12-0 down just after midway through the first half.
The possession and territory at this stage was all Camberley’s, but only a tackle by Jackson near the ten metre line saved the hosts, forcing a knock-on, when Ash Green had a massive overlap. With the line-out working well, Camberley made more inroads, with Brooks again breaking the line, and gaining a penalty when Ash Green came in from the side, quickly followed up when they failed to retreat ten metres – the first of four occasions in the game that this occurred. However, Camberley were turned over again when threatening the try-line. Then, in the last action of the first half, Sims again made ground with another break. The ball was played out to Debbie Haydon, who off-loaded ten metres out. The Ash Green no. 8 got hands on the ball, but only succeeded in teeing up the ball for Caz Chapman, who shrugged off a tackle before dotting down. The conversion was missed, but Camberley went in at half-time 12-5 and right back in the game.
The second half started as more of a midfield battle. A couple of breaks again by Brooks and Jackson caused Ash Green problems, and a kick ahead by Sarah Sanderson left their player isolated, with Jackson and Sanderson wrapping their player up in the tackle superbly. By now, Ash Green’s discipline seriously began to desert them, with a scrum to Camberley being turned into a penalty after their players started to back-chat the referee. When this happened again moments later, Sanderson took a quick penalty only to be tackled from behind immediately, giving the referee no option but to produce a yellow card. The resultant penalty was stroked home by Sanderson to leave Camberley just 12-8 behind with a quarter of the match left to play.
Ash Green, when not being warned by the referee for talking back – three of their penalties conceded were as a result of this, in a penalty count of 18-5 in Camberley’s favour – started to put some pressure on the Camberley line. After a scrum inside the home sides 22 was stopped short of the line, Kate Chapman was yellow-carded for offside. Ash Green elected to take a tap penalty, and opted to try and get their forwards over the line. A number of phases eventually saw the ball worked into the corner, but again, an enormous defensive effort forced a knock-on with Ash Green over the try-line. When another scrum to Camberley was turned into a penalty, the referee’s patience finally gave, deciding that there has been one too many comments from the touchline, and sent their manager from the pitch.
With time running out, Camberley again won a penalty – which again was brought forward ten metres – that they decided to run. Ash Green threw everything into their defence, and turned over possession. Haydon was able to steal possession back, and won a penalty – moved forward ten, natch. With three points not enough, another tap penalty set up a frantic finale with Camberley putting lots of pressure on, but Ash Green held on, to win 12-8, and move to the top of the table. The result was harsh on Camberley, who belied their league position, though the losing bonus point gave some consolation from their afternoon’s work.
Match Report : Camberley 8 – 12 Teddington
Camberley suffered a frustrating game of rugby as they took on Teddington at home in the final game of 2011. Both sides started with a squad of 15 and Camberley saw debuts from Abbie and Astrid, who from the start were keen to get stuck in, both showing potential for the season to come. Berry stepped up to the number 9 position due to illness and Beckett came in as full back.
The game started with Camberley playing towards the club house with the wind assisting on a cold wet afternoon. Both sides started with strong midfield running and Camberley defended well against the opposition 10/12/13. Teddington used the ball well and when not attempting to break through shipped it through the hands utilising the wings. Camberley managed to hold Teddingtons attack and then took the game back to them. Using Saunders, Chapman and Mack-Jones as forward runners the home side played to the game plan, sucking in the forwards to give the backs the freedom to run. When released Sims, Brooks and Haydon capitalised and soon found themselves in the right 22.
Teddington became ill disciplined and gave a easy 3 point penalty away just outside the posts, converted by Sanderson. The score 3-0. Teddington hit straight back and following a line out shipped the ball wide. The drift defence was slow to form and Teddington found themselves with the space they needed to give themselves 5 points. The conversion was lacking.
Camberley did not lose hope, well aware they had the better of the opposition. The forwards started dominating in rucks and mauls and after a series of forward play the overlap was formed and Berry released Haydon. The ball went through to Sims who drew the last wing defender and off loaded for Sanderson to put 5 points on the board, the half time score 8-7.
Both sides lined up for the second half with the win in sight. The game was not clean and mistakes were mad. Sims showed outstanding defence work as the backs held many of Teddington attacks at bay. This frustrated the opposition who changed the game plan to one of kicking over the top. Beckett coped well and was able to counter many of those including a try saving tackle, executed with perfection. Despite this Teddington persevered and half way though the second half scored another try, again utilising the wings. This was converted leaving Camberley 8-12 down.
Camberley battled on as the scrums went uncontested but were unable to change the score. Deeply disappointing the home side still can take pride in never giving up and certainly can return in 2012 with a point to prove.
Forward of the match – Natalie Saunders
Back of the match – Kiersty Sims
Tackle of the match – Emma Beckett
International Match Report: Camberley 12 – 5 Jersey
Camberley secured a second league victory against the overseas Jersey on a crisp winters afternoon at Watchetts.
Camberley kicked off, playing towards the club house, whilst friends, family and injured players looked on. Camberley started brightly ensuring the first attack from Jersey was met with a solid defence and this strong defence was held during this period of the game. Jersey were good in the rucks ensuring the possession was held. When Camberley turned over ball they ran their first phases with determination as they made their way up the pitch towards the all important try line.
Camberleys backs worked hard breaking through on two occasions early on. Sims, on one much occasions, crossed the line only to be held up by the Jersey defence. A 5m scrum then saw Berry secure the first 5 points; the ball was picked up and a strong run saw her cross the line with sheer determination. The conversion however, was lacking, and the half time score remained 5 – 0.
With the game still open the second half commenced with a knock on from the Jersey kickoff. Unable to capitalise, despite spreading the ball wide, Jersey pressed on. Breaks by the opposition backs who utilised their number 13 did not make it much past the Camberley 22. Camberley continued to press when in attack, rucking was strong and breaks by Aire’s , Sanderson and Lyon allowed the backs opportunity to run.
Camberley then decided enough was enough and made runs entering the opposition 22. Sims ran another great line only to be held up for a second time that afternoon – [she has received a few training points, advice and an action plan...] however the back persisted and Brooks made a great run hitting the gap and was again held up by the Jersey defence. Haydon picked up from the ball straight from the put down and gritted her teeth to put the second 5 points on the board. The conversion this time was made by Sanderson putting the home side ahead by 12-0.
Jersey continued to fight and secured a consolation try and were unlucky not to convert with the conversion hitting the bar and bouncing off. The final score 12 – 5
Match Report: Guildford 19 v Camberley 10
Camberley took their league battle away to Guildford on a sunny Remembrance Sunday. After a delayed kick off the match got under way. Camberley were missing a few army players but the squad of 16 were up for the challenge. Both sides started well with an upfront battle in the forwards which continued during the 80 minutes. The opening scrums and line outs were contested and Camberley soon eased into domination in these areas for the majority of the game. Guildford put the first points on the board, scoring and converting the opening try.
Camberley responded soon after, pressing forward into the opposition 22. Guildford, on the back foot, made an error just inside their 22 allowing Camberley the opportunity to capitalise on a 3 point penalty scored by Sanderson. Camberley were playing some fantastic rugby, the work rate was second to none and breaks by Haydon, Brooks, Mills and Sims were unlucky not to be turned into points. Guildford discipline was poor amounting to several penalties allowing Camberley the opportunity to play in the opposition half. However, Guildford defence held strong as the new back line were unable to find the final, try scoring pass. The score at half time was 7-3, but the outlook was good.
Guildford came out fighting in the second half and it was Camberley’s turn to lack discipline. Minor errors were made and a early second half try saw Guildford extend their lead to 14 – 3. Camberley battled on, with every player stepping up. Tackles were made as Guildford enjoyed a prolonged period of attack. Their lead extended again with a try run down the left wing. The score, 19 – 3.
Camberley had 20 minutes on the clock and never stopped fighting. The backs were able to receive more ball and breaks were made by Sims Haydon and Brooks. Their work paid, of when Haydon released Sims, who cut the Guildford line in half and strong running gave Camberley their only try. A conversion by Sanderson saw the final score 19-10.
Quoted as one of the best team performances of the season, awards were given to Sims as back of the match for her workrate and try, Saunders as forward of the match for her ever increasing determination and rugby skills and number 9 Mourad for her tackle on the [large] Guildford prop during a crucial point in the match. New players including Abi and also Lindsey made their statements and it was a pleasure to have Amanda and Dee back in the side. A mention to Chappers and Emma for stepping up on the wings also is not un-noticed.
Match Report : Portsmouth 12 – Camberley 15
Camberley recorded their first win of the campaign with a 15-12 away victory over Portsmouth.
Camberley started strong scoring an opening try within minutes. A strong set piece with good play by Jess Mourad allowed the backs to run a striking move with Sarah Jackson scoring a well worked try off a cracking pass from Siobhan Brooks. The try in the corner of the pitch meant Camberley led 0-5.
Portsmouth responded well using their forwards to good effect turning several phases of well worked rucks into points seeing the score of 7 – 5. Portsmouth, however, struggled with line outs and Camberley used this to take advantage with Hannah French and SJ Gasser both pivotal. An injury to Number 8 Kate Chapman saw an early unfortunate
substitution in the Camberley forwards. None the less Camberley pressed on and a backs break led by the 9/10 combination saw a pick up try by Sanderson which the skipper duly converted. 7-12 was the half time score.
The second half saw Portsmouth maintain their intensity and they continued to work Camberley hard. An error by Portsmouth in their 22 saw Captain Sarah Sanderson add her tally of points to 10 and Camberley score to 15 to offer some breathing space.
A blood bin change saw Sanderson off and Chappers on with Laura Simpson stepping up to take on the number 2 role with confidence and finesse. Simpson continued her outstanding game of leading a forward charge and breaking through time and time again. Portsmouth, seizing the opportunity of the replacements, managed a consolation try making the final score 12-15.
Camberley battled hard and deserved to come away with the win.
Forward of the match – Laura Simpson
Back of the match – Jess Mourad
Tackle of the match – Siobhan Brooks
Match Report : Camberley 7-22 Beckingham
Camberley played their first home game of the season agaist a tough organised outfit of Beckingham. Camberley started with 14 but began the game with determination putting the first seven points on the scoreboard with a great solo run by Sarah Jackson. The try was converted by the Sarah Sanderson. The Camberley ladies battle well in all areas of the game. Unfortunatly, Beckingham struck back with a try in corner after some weak tackling from the home side. Luckily, the Beckingham flyhalf missed the conversion so Camberley were still in the lead at half. Camberley had a sustained period of pressure just before the half time break, however they were unable to convert pressure into points and this turn out to be crucial.
At the half time, the Beckingham coach must have the changed the game plan because in the second stanza the away side became to the play the full width of the pitch. This ultimately exposed Camberley depleted numbers in the backs and the last there scores came as a result of over laps out wide.
This game was a major improvement from the previous match against Teddington, especially, considering that Beckingham are top of the league. Notably performances came from Kiersty Sims, Sarah Jackson, and Laura Simmonds. This match report is being written from Frimly A&E where Siobhan Brooks has regained consciousness and is slowly recovering all her marbles.
Match Report : Teddington 36 – 0 Camberley
The first game of the season saw Camberley take on Teddington at Bushy Park in the October heatwave. The game started with both sides fielding 15 with Teddington set to receive. Teddington settled in quickly taking control of the first 20 minutes, scoring a well worked try. They quickly converted a second try after intercepting a ball from a knock on in the inexperienced Camberley outside backs. Play also saw a Camberley second row injury taking the away side down to 14. Camberley’s response was positive which saw the forwards take the game to the opposition and dominate in the rucking and mauling. The forwards were able to release the backs who were unlucky not to take any points from the second period of the first half. The backs worked hard with the little ball they received but were ultimately lacking in the pace of the missing wingers. Strong play from 10, 12 and 13, incorporating a newly formed centre partnership of Siobhan and Sarah Jackson saw the half time score remain at 12-0. The back line defence were defiant and certainly kept Camberley in the game.
The second half saw the fitness of both teams tested to the max and with Camberley losing their full back and down to 13 players they were playing on the back foot. With Teddington taking advantage of the overlap and kicking into the space, saw their score increase. Camberley scrums were good with the pack of seven with mention to Jacqui who was thrown in at 1 and was outstanding. Solid scrum half play from Jess saw breaks from Debbie and the centres who were frustrated by the Teddington defence.
Camberley Ladies welcome Beckenham to Watchetts Park next Sunday.
