With three minutes left of the 2025 grand final, Campbelltown Collegians scored a try to get within six points of the Camden Rams.
With the fans sitting on the edge of the seats at Campbelltown Stadium, the Collies, just four years after being admitted to the Macarthur Conference, were within one try of forcing the match into extra time.
Collies threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Rams, and came very, very close to scoring, but Camden somehow held on to record back to back premierships.
The 32-26 victory was one the Camden boys had to earn, because Collegians never gave up during the 80 minutes of brilliant rugby league.
No wonder some of the Camden players punched the air with their fists when the celebrations began.
Collegians matched them in every department, even though Camden scored six tries to five.
Rams prop forward Danny Fualalo bagged two tries, as did Collies centre Leon Longbottom.
The kickers were equally matched with Sitiveni Moceidreke converting three from five for Collegians, while Camden centre Fiohiva Siale Fainga’a kicked four from six attempts.
Camden were shell shocked early in the game, with the Collies shooting out of the blocks like cannon balls, scoring two tries to lead 10-0.
But it didn’t take long to see why Camden have been in the last three grand finals.
This is one smart footy team that’s been together for a while, and yesterday it was easy to see they had been stung into action by the early points from their less fancied opponents.
They tried every trick in the book, including short kick offs, and despite incredible defence from Collegians they were able to post their first try 17 minutes in.
With the score at 10-6 in favour of the Collies, the Rams picked up the ball from the restart and went on the attack immediately, spreading it to the left to score again and jump to the lead, 12-10.
But the premiers weren’t done yet, and scored a third try in the 25th minute to open up an eight point lead at 18-10.
Collies regrouped after that try and made sure Camden didn’t pile on any more points.
With 10 minutes to go they went on the attack, but Camden manage to repel them.
Collies continued to look for gaps in the premiers’ defensive line and with five minutes left before the halftime break they score in the left corner to reduce the deficit to 18-14.
And when Sitiveni Moceidreke converts the try with a sensational kick from the sideline the Collies fans find their voice once again.
Unfortunately for them Camden are always on the lookout for opportunities, and opt for a short kick for the restart, and end up with possession of the ball inside the Collies side of the field.
They move the ball around quickly, cleverly carving up the defence to score a try and convert to go to the break leading 24-16.
The first 11 minutes of the second half pass without any scoring.
Five minutes later Camden score again after getting the benefit of a set restart, and move the ball quickly from side to side, making defence difficult for Collies.
There are 19 minutes left in the grand final and Camden lead by 16 points at 32-16, and everyone is wondering if Collies will now fold in the face of such an irresistible force.
Out of the blue, four minutes later Collies score after a bomb bounces the right way for them and they reduce the deficit to 10 points at 32-22.
The next few minutes the rejuvenated Collies get most of the possession, off the back of consecutive penalties, but fail to capitalize, and this is arguably the point where they lost the grand final.
On the other hand, their defence stays solid, and keeps Camden out for that period.
With seven minutes to go they are still 10 points behind and need to score quickly, which miraculously they do with three minutes to go.
But the conversion is rushed and at 32-26 they need a converted try to force extra time.
But the Collegians miracle doesn’t arrive, and Camden celebrate the moment the referee blows time.
Camden Rams deserved their back to back premiership, but Collegians can hold their heads high after a very successful season.
