ONE Hard lesson at Saracens

It was another early start, and another tough lesson, for the Camelot side that played in the Land Rover Premiership Cup at Mill Hill. With a semi-final and final on the artificial pitch of Allianz Park, the home of Saracens, in the offering there was every incentive to go out and take the competition by the scruff of the neck...unfortunately the opportunity was not ceased.

Things started badly in the opening game v Bancroft. The opposition kicked off with a long boot deep into the Camelot half, the ball was charged down and out of play. A Bancroft free pass and within seconds they scored 0-1.

For the rest of the half Camelot dominated possession, but could not breakthrough the defence, often looking too flat and not running onto the ball to gain any ground. When Bancroft did win the ball back and make some dangerous runs, a series of impressive tap tackles managed to save the day. Despite the possession, it was 0-1 at the break.

The second-half started well with James I picking the ball up from a free pass and driving his body over the line at full strength, stretching his arms out to ensure the ball made it over the line. 1-1.

Unfortunately the lead did not last long, a clean break saw Bancroft restore their lead, against the run of play. Camelot had to work hard to get back in it, and they did that when Thomas this time used strength and force to bundle over the line to score a try. Both teams had threatening moments to win the match outright, but there were no mores scores and the match finished a draw.

FT: Camelot 2-2 Bancroft. Tries: James I, Thomas

The next opponents were Welwyn, and when Freddie put Camelot into an early lead it looked as though it was going to be a relatively easy three points with the opponents looking inferior in all departments...but they gave 100% effort and commitment which put Camelot under pressure for the remainder of the half. HT 1-0.

After the break it all went horribly wrong. Another unchallenged clear breakthrough saw Welwyn equalise and as the game became more physical, Camelot were starting to consistently come out second best; ultimately paying the price with a second Welwyn try that ended any hope of appearing on the Allianz Park pitch later in the day.

FT: Camelot 1-2 Welwyn. Tries: Freddie

The less said about the final group match against Banbury, with nothing to play for morale looked low and that was reflected in a performance that allowed the opponents superiority to be magnified beyond what it should have been.

0-3 down at the interval, things got no better in the second-half - Constantly second best in the rucks, losing the ball in mauls and failing to reach the levels the kids are capable of.

FT: Camelot 0-5 Banbury

Early bath time for the team, bak to basics next week !!!