Close but no Cigar as 1XV exit Cup

The Intermediate Cup pitched Camps against Spartans who have a similar record to the home side in Midlands West 2 (South) and it turned out to be an excellent afternoon of competitive rugby with the result in doubt until the very end.

With seven changes from the previous week, and three cornerstones of the pack missing, Camps could be forgiven for a slow start.
The visitors attacked through their backs initially and when desperate defence resulted in a 5 metre scrum Camps were pushed off the ball and skipper Mike Bennett went over to give Spartans the earliest of leads.

It was great credit to the home side that they came back immediately with forwards Dan O’Grady, Stephen Halbert and Mitch Lee in the forefront of the good work.

It was the visitors who were next on the scoresheet, however, with a well-struck penalty from scrum half Tom Hardy.
Camps were further disrupted by a nasty eye injury to centre Nobby Freeman who took no further part in the game.

Again Camps were straight back on the attack and, when the visitors conceded a penalty in a very kickable position, they elected to kick to the corner rather than go for the points.

It turned out to be the right decision as hooker Adam Willis found Shawn Jon Lindeque and the pack drove over the line with the hooker getting the try.

In almost a mirror image of this success, however, Spartans kicked a penalty deep into the Camps 22 and from the line out they drove over for another unconverted try and a 13-5 lead.

As the entertainment continued, it was Camps back on the attack and after winger Jake Shilston was forced into touch in the Spartans 22,excellent work by 2 of the back row, Halbert and Rob Hill saw the third member Rob Hunt get over the line but he was deemed to be held up. The pressure did result in points, however, as Barney Edwards dropped a neat goal from just outside the 22.
A further penalty score for each side prior to the break, from Hardy and Edwards respectively meant the visitors led 16-11 at the break.

Camps started the second half strongly and Spartans conceded three penalties in quick succession, the last of which enabled Barney Edwards to reduce the arrears to 2 points.

Spartans were quick to respond but when they won a penalty in the Camps 22 the penalty was reversed for a stamp, which surprisingly did not incur any further sanction.

Camps were now looking stronger than at any stage in the match and a superb run from player-coach Halbey set up the chance to take the lead. He forced his way through two tackles before being stopped close to the line but was still able to feed supporting scrum half Lloyd Roberts who went over for the try which took Camps into the lead for the first time, 19-16.

The game continued to swing from end to end but Camps held the advantage until 5 minutes from time when Hardy kicked another penalty to bring the visitors level.

To the credit of the visitors they finished as strongly as they started and a sweeping move ended with a try in the corner as time expired to take them through to the next round.

A disappointing end for the home side but a thoroughly entertaining match between two strong teams, which must auger well for the rest of the season.

Next week, Camps resume league action with a difficult trip up to Stafford; all support will be very welcome.

Beech House, Solihull Man of The Match - Rob Hunt