Camden Rams coach Scott Borg was a delighted man after his team charged into their second grand final in a row with a comprehensive 32-6 win over Thirlmere Roosters on Sunday afternoon. MIKE SHEAN reports:
The Rams will once again face off with the Picton Magpies, who will be shooting for their fourth straight premiership.
Borg said his side will need to be at their very best if they are to overcome the Magpies next Saturday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Against the Roosters yesterday, the Rams put on a polished performance to shut out the locals, but Borg said they would have to do it all again to win against Picton on Saturday night.
Borg said he was especially pleased with five eighth Zac Greene and halfback Jackson Willis.
Thirlmere started the game stronger, with centre Josh Bryant opening the scoring after five minutes.
Camden withstood the opening onslaught from the Roosters, and captain Chris Browne, who returned after a concussion last week against Picton, scored the first try for the Rams after 20 minutes.
The first 40 minutes was a very even affair, with Camden slowly wrestling momentum, possession and territory away from the home team.
The Rams led 8-6 after Browne added a penalty goal in the 27th minute.
The main turning point of the match occurred four minutes before halftime, when Thirlmere’s talented halfback Jake Mullaney was forced from the field with a dislocated left elbow. He did not return and the Roosters paid the price.
Camden capitalised on the momentum shift, with Chris Browne slicing through the Roosters’ defence in the last minute of the first half, giving the Rams a 14-6 lead at halftime.
The Rams kept the momentum rolling immediately after the break, with winger Mahn Darley crossing two minutes after the resumption, and suddenly Camden led 20-6.
Zac Greene, who had almost his best game in first grade at five eighth, crossed 11 minutes after halftime, and the Rams led 26-6.
Toby Huxley, part of the hard working back row for the Rams, was next to get his name on the scoreboard.
There was still 20 minutes left but the game was all but over for Thirlmere and with it another season.
The Rams on the other hand were heading towards another grand final clash with Picton.
RESULTS – Preliminary finals at Thirlmere Sportsground:
First Grade Camden Rams 32 Thirlmere Roosters 6
Reserve Grade Campbelltown City 10 Camden Rams 34
Under 18 Thirlmere Roosters 20 Appin Dogs 12
Second Division Robertson Spuddies 6 Moss Vale Dragons 18
League Tag Camden Rams 12 Mt Annan Barbarians 6
NEXT WEEK Campbelltown Stadium 2016 Grand Final day:
12.30pm League Tag Campbelltown City v Camden Rams
1.45pm U18 Camden Rams v Thirlmere Roosters
3.30pm Second Division Appin Dogs v Moss Vale Dragons
5.15pm Reserve Grade Picton Magpies vs Camden Rams
7pm First Grade Picton Magpies v Camden Rams
