Bournemouth v CAMBERLEY

In a weather-beaten clash that saw the Lions face off against Camberley, both teams were met with blustery conditions that forced a pitch change due to waterlogged grounds. Camberley kick-started the game, applying immediate pressure on Fitch, whose quick response secured possession for the Lions. However, Camberley managed to isolate Fitch, pushing him out of play. Despite Camberley’s initial advantage, a penalty for holding on disrupted their attempt to spread the play wide.

With both teams vying for control, it seemed as though the Lions had secured possession in the air. Yet, Camberley’s swift counter saw them snatch the ball, quickly shifting it to the right wing. Exploiting the Lions’ defensive reorganization, Camberley orchestrated a stellar play, culminating in the first try of the match, successfully converted to set the score at 7-0.

The Lions retaliated with an impressive kick-off follow-up, demonstrating their proficiency in this area throughout the season. A cross-field manoeuvre looked promising, but an unfortunate forward pass led to the first scrum of the match. Known for their scrummaging prowess, Camberley forced a free kick, opting for a scrum reset. Their immediate dominance in the scrum forced the Lions to concede a penalty, allowing Camberley to clear their lines.

As the first half unfolded, the Lions showcased their defensive tenacity, denying Camberley further scoring opportunities. Despite their steadfast efforts, a penalty infringement brought Camberley closer to the try line, resulting in their second try. With the conversion unconverted, the score stood at 12-0 in favour of Camberley.

The Lions, determined to stage a comeback, demonstrated their resilience, eventually securing their first try. Fitch’s well-timed run, coupled with effective support play, led to a pivotal breakthrough, narrowing the deficit to 12-5. However, Camberley responded promptly, capitalizing on a Lions penalty to extend their lead with a third try.

As the first half drew to a close, the Lions faced an uphill battle. Despite their valiant efforts, the gusty conditions and Camberley’s formidable scrummaging proved challenging to overcome. The halftime score remained 19-5 in Camberley’s favour.

The second half kicked off with the Lions facing a powerful headwind. Camberley seized the ball from the restart and executed a well-placed high, short kick. The Lions struggled to control it, allowing Camberley to pounce, ultimately kicking deep into the Lions’ territory. Despite this pressure, the Lions managed to clear their lines.

However, Camberley regained possession at the halfway line, launching a counterattack. The Lions stood firm, forcing a turnover and kicking to touch deep within Camberley’s half.

Yet, a lineout error gave Camberley an opportunity. They initiated a rolling maul, but the Lions thwarted their progress. Camberley opted for a scrum, aiming to overpower the Lions.

Once more, Camberley’s scrum dominance shone through, pushing the Lions beyond their try line and securing their second try. The conversion was missed, bringing the score to Lions 5, Camberley 17.

Camberley’s restart exploited the wind advantage, leading to a swift attack down the left wing. They secured their bonus point try, successfully converting, making it 5-24.

The Lions persisted, attempting to run the ball. However, a handling error near halfway resulted in a scrum for Camberley.

The Lions’ scrum, resolute as ever, emerged victorious and advanced to Camberley’s 10-meter line. The contest became scrappy, but Camberley’s scrumhalf was pressured into a poor pass, resulting in a knock-on.

Camberley’s ensuing scrum was followed by an attempted wide play, which went awry, leading to another scrum, this time in their own half.

Both sides grappled fiercely, but neither could gain a decisive advantage. Camberley’s cross-field kick was caught, but a penalty for blocking gave the Lions a chance.

Opting for a quick tap, the Lions pushed beyond halfway. Camberley conceded yet another penalty, earning a yellow card. The Lions tapped and advanced to Camberley’s 22.

Despite their efforts, the Lions could only move laterally. Camberley’s defence stood strong, and a penalty awarded to the Lions went unrewarded, as they faced a formidable wall of defence. The Lions then conceded a penalty, allowing Camberley to kick to their 10-meter line.

Camberley, from their own lineout, looked to run but lost possession, granting the Lions a free kick. They sought to capitalize, but a cross-field kick produced no results.

Both teams continued to battle fiercely, with Camberley’s cross-field kick being caught but resulting in another free kick for the Lions due to blocking. The Lions quickly tapped and surged to Camberley’s 10-meter line. Camberley conceded another penalty, leading to a yellow card.

The Lions tapped and pressed on to Camberley’s 22. However, Camberley’s defence held firm, and a penalty directly in front of the posts at the 22 went unrewarded. The Lions then conceded their own penalty, allowing Camberley to kick to their 10-meter line.

Camberley looked to run from their own lineout, but a wayward pass resulted in a free kick for the Lions. They attempted a high ball, but it didn’t pay off.

The game remained a physical contest, with both sides fiercely vying for control. Camberley’s cross-field kick was caught, but another penalty for blocking gave the Lions an opportunity.

The Lions opted for a quick tap, gaining ground to Camberley’s 10-meter line. Camberley conceded yet another penalty, resulting in a yellow card. The Lions tapped and pushed on to Camberley’s 22.

Camberley’s defence organized swiftly, resisting the Lions’ advances. The Lions tapped and sought to press on, but their lateral progress was halted by Camberley’s unyielding defence. A penalty at the 22’s centre went unrewarded, leaving the Lions struggling to breach the solid Camberley line.

In the end, Camberley proved to be the superior side on this occasion. While the Lions had their moments of promise, small handling errors prevented them from making a more competitive stand. The blustery conditions appeared to favour Camberley, and their position at the top of the league was well-deserved. The Lions will regroup and focus on their next challenge against Hammersmith and Fulham. The scoreline stood at 5-31, a hard-fought battle for both sides.