Tryfest at the Mennaye

Despite missing some key players, Camels gave a good Pirates side a scare but came up just short in an entertaining game on the famous Mennaye.

Camels started on the front foot, with BillyT making two thumping tackles in the opening minutes to force the Pirates back into their 22, then getting his hands on the ball and storming through for the opening try. Pirates replied with two slick handling moves, but HarryP forced his way over in the corner to level things at 12-12. Pirates then took charge of the game - their disciplined back division moved the ball well across the big pitch, and three more tries and two good conversions took them into a big lead. BillyT moved himself to no8 for a scrum pickup and was rewarded with a try that kept Camels in range at 31-17 at halftime.

Camels attacked from the start of the second half. EthanT was a constant threat, and after setting up a kick and chase was held back illegally - Camels tapped the penalty and drove close to the Pirates line, and after a charged down kick HarryP reacted quickest to score his second. Pirates replied, but Camels continued to press - after Ethan was taken out late (again) BillyT stomped through from the tap pen to score his third and EthanT added a fine conversion to bring Camels within 7 points. Pirates were relieved to add a final try in the corner to close the game out.

Camels won the 2nd half 12-10, and played some great rugby in the process - Charlie leaving three Pirates sprawling with a kick dummy and a sidestep and Ferg sprinting 30 yards to intercept a quick lineout and win a turnover will live long in the memory. However, they cannot concede 40 points each week and expect to win many games - defensive discipline still needs to improve.