Rams on top in Classic Semi

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After what was one of the best finals matches seen in Illawarra Rugby in recent years, the Camden Rams snatched victory from Avondale Wombats at Kiama Showground to be first through to the 2013 Illawarra Builders Club Grand Final. In what was a very physical robust encounter, Camden took the lead for the first time in the last 10 minutes to defeat Avondale for the third time this year, by 20 points to 18.

The Rams won the toss and ran with the strong southerly wind in the first half but it was Avondale who went to the break with a 10 points to 5 lead. Camden used the wind well and dominated field position early but it was Avondale who opened the scoring. With Camden camped in the Wombats quarter the ball went back to Avondale fullback Scott Morgan in his own in goal. Choosing not to kick out, Morgan scooted 20 meters out into the field of play and found Andre Itula in support who raced the remaining 80 meters to score under the posts. With the try converted by Darryl Sanft, Avondale were out to a 7 point lead after 8 minutes. After another period of strong field position for Camden, the Wombat defense finally cracked at the 16 minute mark. From a scrum 15 meters out Camden skipper, No.8 Gavin Holder broke with the ball and went to the blind finding half Josh Holman in support who burst over wide out. Camdens try was unconverted and 3 minutes later Darryl Sanft kicked a penalty goal for Avondale to lead 10 points to 5.

Despite being able to dominate possession and field phone number list Camden could not breach the strong Wombat defense and went to the break behind. The Rams game plan of taking Avondale on in the forwards was working and Avondale were losing some composure. Surprisingly though Camden chose to turn down several opportunities to kick for penalty goals despite the advantage of the strong breeze, choosing instead to grind away at the Wombat defense. In a major blow Camden lost Country Fly Half Ben Greentree to injury at half time.

Now running into the wind Camden continued the second half where they left off, and at the 50 minute mark their second try came. Two of Camdens best on the day, center Lee Russell and fullback Tyler Aitkin, did the lead up work for wingman Nick Daly to score a beautifully constructed try in the left corner. With the try unconverted the scores were now equal. The response from Avondale came quickly when Andre Itula produced a well executed kick and chase in centre field to position Leon Mason for a run to the right side to score. Sanft missed the kick, but a penalty goal to Sanft 5 minutes later saw Avondale out by 8 at the 60 minute mark.

The Rams showed great composure and refused to waver from their game plan continually driving Avondale down field. Their tactics were frustrating their opponents and once again they declined penalty goal opportunities to maintain the pressure. The Avondale defense finally cracked from one such option. From a driving scrum 20 meters out Holder again took the ball from the back and forced his way over for an unconverted try to reduce the lead to 3. With a scent of victory the Rams continued to frustrate Avondale who were unable to find any attacking rhythm. Again refusing to take penalty goal attempts the Rams were rewarded with what was the winning try with less than 10 minutes to go. Hard working flanker Aaron Loxley broke free from a driving mall to score on the right for Camden to go out to their winning lead of 20 to 18.

This was a match befitting finals football and the large crowd was very appreciative of what they had witnessed. Scoring 4 tries to 2 the Rams deserved their win and will welcome the rest next week after such a physical encounter. Camden centre Lee Russell was outstanding in both attack and defense. As always Gavin Holder led his forwards brilliantly making several searching runs to gain his side the momentum. At fullback Tyler Aitkin kept the Wombat defense busy all day. But it was the Rams composure on the day that won out. A repeat performance in two weeks could see the club with their first premiership since 1995. For Avondale Kieran Jack toiled all day, along with Joe Kaio and Michael Malaki. In the backs Scott Morgan was strong at the back and Andre Itula was a constant threat.