Match Report: Camden Rams v Wollongong Tech Waratahs

Camden have posted back-to-back wins for the first time in 2021, following a hard-fought, if not unimpressive 20-14 win over Tech-Waratahs on Saturday afternoon at Wire Lane.

Blustery conditions made territorial advantage vital, and with Camden having that bonus in the first half, they made sure they played as much of the game inside the visitors half as possible, thanks to the kicking game of No.10 Dane Kelly.

Kelly ensured, especially early, that the Rams were at the attacking end of the ground, with well-placed kicks, in particular to the Eastern side of the field, ensuring Tech-Tahs worked out of their 22 as much as possible.

Points were at a premium in the difficult conditions during the afternoon, with Camden controlling the game from a scoreboard perspective, leading the game throughout, and not releasing the lead.

Camden led 15-7 at the break, thanks to three first half tries, with two going to Kelly, opening the scoring after the commencement and resumption of play in each half.

The ruck and set-piece was a feature of the Camden game, with the Rams’ pack dominating the physically larger Tech-Tahs side in those aspects of play. The scrum has been a feature for several weeks now, especially when facing a much larger opponent, as they did again today.

Goalkicking was an issue for the Rams in their win, with the usually reliable Kelly missing three shots at goal, and regular kicked Keeran McCourt missing another, which, on another day, would have sealed the victory with time remaining.

Instead, the Rams’ faithful, although small in number, made plenty of noise, especially in the final minutes of play, as Tech-Tahs, who had issues with passing for the majority of the day, finally found their mark in the closing stages, and threatened to cross the Camden line for the winning try.

However, Camden’s resolute defence ensured the home fans left Wire Lane happy, as the Rams took a vital bonus point win, to lift them off the bottom of the IDRU First Grade ladder in the process, as they recorded consecutive wins in a rare occurrence in recent years.

Speaking post-match, captain Tim Windle and hooker Brady Millar spoke about the focus on set-piece play at training, which has been paying dividends in recent weeks for the Rams.

Camden aren’t allowing themselves to look to far ahead, according to Millar, but the prospect of three consecutive wins, when they head to Uni Oval next week for a meeting with the students, is a possibility they aren’t entertaining heavily.

Camden’s next home game will be in two weeks time, when they host Shamrocks at Wire Lane, as part of a huge day of rugby.

In a rare occurrence, the Rams’ will be the curtain-raiser, as Western Sydney welcomes West Harbour in a Shute Shield First Grade match at 3pm. The Rams’ match will commence at the earlier than usual time of 1pm, with a full day of rugby scheduled at the Camden home ground.

Spectators of all sides are invited and encouraged to come along and enjoy the country hospitality as Camden welcomes both Two Blues’ and Pirates’ supporters to Wire Lane for a great day of rugby.