2008 Archive Match Reports
1.11.08
18.10.08	Camels v Old Colfeians
11.10.08	Camels v Withycombe
May 08	2nd team season review.
5.4.08	Bude v Camels Cornwall Cup Final
29.3.08	Camels v Ivybridge
22.3.08	Camels v Camborne Cornwall Cup
8.3.08	Minehead v Camels
1.3.08	Camels v Penryn
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1.11.08. Camels v Kingsbridge

Camels knew from day one of the season that this fixture was always going to be a tough one. With the clash of a club member's wedding on the same day, Camels had to cope without the likes of Ballard, Boyling, Stone and Briskham to face 2 nd place Kingsbridge.

In a physical encounter from start to finish Camels found themselves 3 points down after 10 minutes as the visitors fly half struck over a penalty due to Camels using illegal use of the boot on a player who was seen to be killing the ball. Shortly after a dive for the try line was awarded to Kingsbridge only for the referee to be told that it was in fact the 5m line. The referee awarded the visitors a scrum which they were able to disrupt the home side and before they knew it, were over the line with an unconverted try by Kingsbridge No.8.

The rest of the half was even stevens, both of which winning their own set pieces. Both teams wanted to play open rugby and hopefully the crowd saw this. Towards the end of the first half a final serge by the visiting pack saw a forward driven over the line to make the half time score 0 - 13.

After some words during the interval Camels started very well and were camped in the visitors half for the majority of the 3 rd quarter. Solid defending from Kingsbridge kept any scoring opportunity by Camels limited. Finally, prop Rich Treleaven found his way near the line and during a last tackle off loaded to flanker Gav West to get Camels back into the game at 5 - 13.

Camels kept on at hunting for more points but a street wised pack of forwards and a disruptive backline kept the home side out.

"Naturally I'm frustrated and disappointed but we did all we could. They were a very organised side and gave them too much respect early on. We performed better in the 2 nd half, that's about the only positive we can take out of the game." said Wilce

"We've lost our record of 27 consecutive league wins at home but to be honest that was starting to get to players. It's hurt us and I believe it'll make us a better side now that that's out of our mind."

Team: Treleaven (Burnard 75), Toohey, Bilkey, Lock, Wilce (Capt), R. Hawkey (Grubb 60), West, Angwin, S. Hawkey, J. Kneale, O. Hawkey (McCarroll 65) Olivey, Miskowisc, MacLennan, Cameron

18.10.08. Camels v Old Colfeians

It was an historic win at the Molesworth Field this weekend as Wadebridge played host to London based side Old Colfians in the EDF Energy National Trophy which Camels have never played in before. Their success of winning the Cornwall Cup saw them qualify for this competition. They are the lowest league side to qualify for this competition and had to face the Londoners who are positioned two leagues above them.

In front of a large crowd, Camels had to face a faster than usual paced game as Old Colfians liked to move the ball around. The home team set off with a bang but found themselves up against some solid and arrogant defence. After some slick handling from Fly half Leigh Charles, MacLennan found himself in space and was brought down. Some quick phases in field saw Camels closing in but an infringement from the Londoners gave the home team 3 points from a penalty by Charles.

Camels were clearly dominating the scrums and lineouts. This gave them much possession and territory but could not break the final line of defence. A penalty attempt from the visitors was their only opportunity of the half but it sailed wide. The half time score was 3 - 0.

Two minutes into the second half the Camels were 5m away from the visitors try line, as the ball was spun out a misunderstanding between the backs saw the ball get spilt and visiting full back Andy Muldoon hacked the ball down field and collected his own kick. A fine cover tackle from Charles halted the player but an off load to centre Alex Wicks saw him touchdown in the corner taking the score to 3 - 5. 5 minutes later Camels were back in the scoring zone and after a few phases from the forwards scrum half Shaun Hawkey went blind and fed the ball to right wing Angus MacLennan who angled in towards the post to a roar from the crowd and players. A fine conversion from Charles saw the score at 10 - 5. With 10 minutes to go, a tackle on left wing James Sarjeant by MacLennan halted the game as the Londoner broke his leg. The match was stopped for about 25 minutes until the Air ambulance lifted him to hospital. For the final 10 minutes Camels couldn't get out of their own half or get their hands on the ball. A rampant visiting side threw everything they had at the home line but just could not find a way through. Finally a crucial turn over saw replacement Fly half Jake McCarroll boot the ball into the distance and the Molesworth Field erupted to the referee's final whistle.

"Every tackle had to count. Players were in agony and falling apart but still found the commitment to make those crucial tackles for those last 10 minutes. We've worked hard on defence as this wins matches; today was a perfect example of that."

Team: Treleaven, Ballard, Bilkey, Lock, Wilce (Capt), R.Hawkey, Boyling, Angwin, S.Hawkey, Charles (McCarroll 75 mins), O.Hawkey, Olivey, Miskowicz, MacLennan, Cameron.

11.10.08 Camels v Withycombe

The first names Wadebridge Camels would put on their team sheet are Ballard, Boyling, Stone, and Briskham. Unfortunately these were unavailable this week due to a stag do in Western Super Mare. Fortunately for Camels, they could call upon the experienced flanker Gav West, who had considered retirement after winning the Cornwall Cup, to play his first match of the season.

From the first play of the game, Camels received a kick off and conceded a penalty straight away which Withycombe capitalised on and took the 3 points. Winning the ball back from the kick off, Camels spun the ball wide to their "inform' winger Angus McLennan who brushed his opposite winger aside and with one man to beat he passed inside to West to score. It was much of a stalemate for 20 minutes and a breakthrough came when young fly half, Leigh Charles jinked his way through the defence and ground the ball in the corner. 10 minutes later, a ball off the top of a lineout by Wilce saw the ball spun wide to the speedy winger Ollie Hawkey to sprint away for another 5 points for the home team. The final score of the half came from the determined Withcombe side who were seeking their first win of the season. This was scored by replacement prop Manning and converted by Seeck.

With the score at 15 -10, the visitors felt that they could leave the Molesworth Field with 2 points. 4 minutes into the second half Ollie Hawkey showed his pace yet again to dart away for his second try of the match after some good interlinking passing between forwards and backs. 5 minutes later prop Richard Treleaven sold a dummy and crashed over to take the score to 25 - 10. Camels were dominating the game now, but they began to lack the clinical edge and missed several more try scoring opportunities. With Charles inform again, he was able to give a precision kick to fall in the hands of the illusive Andy Cameron to cross the line. To rub salt in the wound, Camels caught the kick off and passed it to centre Ben Misky who, from inside his own 22m, sprinted off the length of the pitch to score in the corner after selling a handful of dummies. Young McCarroll, who came on at full back kicked the touch line conversion. Just like the first half the spirited Withycombe had the last say with a consolation try to get the final score to 37 - 17.

After the match player coach Wilce said, "This game was always going to be a worry for us as we had know over a month that we'd be missing several key players." He continued by saying "What I really enjoyed was seeing players coming in and stepping up to the mark especially hooker Pete Toohay and I know Westy will never let the side down."

"We've got a break from the league this week as we have to play host to London based Old Colfians. Two leagues above us, we know nothing about, they know nothing about us. The odds are totally against us but I'd back my players any day!"

Team: Treleaven, Toohay, Bilkey, R. Hawkey, Lock, Wilce (Capt), R. Hawkey, West, (Burnard 70), Angwin (Cruse 55), S. Hawkey, Charles, O.Hawkey, Olivey, Misky, McLennan, Cameron (McCarroll 65)

May 08. 2nd team season review.

Wadebridge Camels second team brought their season to a close by receiving the Cornwall Merit Table Division One trophy at Redruth. Un-fortunately, they could not end the season with a victory against a very strong Redruth Development team in wet and windy conditions. It is the first time in Camels history that they have won this title and all players involved should feel really proud of themselves.

This year Olly Lock took on the captaincy and pre-season soon indicated that there would not only be competition for places in the first team, but also the seconds. This later lead to the formation of a Camels third team. The season started with a run of eight straight wins for the second team, playing a fast brand of rugby with a very strong defence.

Un-fortunately this run came to an end in a pulsating top of table clash at Penzance on the Mennaye Field in early November. Despite fielding their strongest team of the season, Camels went down 35-25 against an experienced and committed Pirates team who will surely re-enter the leagues as an amateur side at some stage with the playing talent they have. This loss coupled with obstacles put in front of the Camels in Penzance would be stored up and used for motivation for the return fixture later in the season.

During the core part of the season the Camels squad was stretched with injuries and un-availability and the first team were pleased to be able to promote players into their squad who had been playing a good standard of rugby and would be more than capable of playing in the Western Counties league.

The destination of the Merit Table title was really decided in February with two crucial home fixtures against Penzance and Redruth Development on consecutive Saturdays. The Penzance game was a highly physical and intense battle in which Camels gained revenge with a 16-5 victory with crucial scores from Ant Merrett and Will Curnow. The defence from the Camels in this game was amazing lead by the forceful back row of Dicky Dawe, Neil Meneer and Michael Pearce. This victory was followed with another crucial result against Redruth and despite conceding a couple of soft scores, the Camels won 32-24. Outstanding prop Adam "Barrell' Coleman, enjoying a fantastic season, was Man of the Match in this game with his bullocking runs and hand off's exciting the home crowd. During these two games and throughout the whole season, fly half Matt Bailey made some very influential performances and was the teams highest points scorer.

The Merit Table title was secured with a 25-0 away victory at Launceston with a solid and hard working performance at the end of March. The season came to a bit of an ant-climax at Redruth with the loss and the un-fortunate occurrence of a mix up with the presentation. The least said about that the better! Despite this the team celebrated the most successful season the seconds have ever had long into the night with a Captain's night in Truro . The team would like to thank all the boys from the Eclipse Nightclub in Truro for making them feel so welcome and showing them such a good time.

The future is very bright for Wadebridge Camels and it is very important for the club to have a successful reserve team and strong squad. With a collection of very promising Colts coming through, next season could also be one to remember.

Thanks boys for all your hard work and commitment. More Captains days to come next year, Moonshine!!

5.4.08 Bude v Camels Cornwall Cup Final

For the first time in history Wadebridge Camels won the Cornwall Cup final at St.Austell at the weekend. Their opponents were North Cornwall rivals Bude. The teams have already met this season in the league and Bude won that encounter 12-7 so the final was always going to be a close one.

A large crowd had gathered to mid Cornwall, Wadebridge providing two full coaches, and their presence was easily noticed as the Camels ran on to the pitch. Neither side were holding anything back with solid runs and powerful tackles made by both teams. Most of the play was around the halfway line and 15 minutes in Camels edged their way towards Bude's 22m line and were awarded a penalty which fly half Jamie Kneale slotted over to take a 3-0 lead. After some good phases and solid rucking by the Camels' forwards Kneale lofted a pass out wide to Gary Gynn who committed to players in the tackle and was able to off load to lock Rob Hawkey to crash over for an unconverted try. Straight from the kick off Wadebridge caught the ball, 2 rucks later O'Donnell passed the ball to full back Dan Briskham on his own 22m line and off he went. Leaving a trail of Bude defenders for dust, he ran 80m for a try under the post. Kneale added the extra points. For the remaining 15 minutes of the half there was no extra score. Bude mauled their way back in to Camels territory but the forwards defended like Trojans and were able to stop the Bude steam roller.

In the second half Bude came out firing and set up platforms which created their trademark mauling game. They were able to keep Camels in their own half for long periods but with no reward. Finally on 60 minutes they were able to maul themselves over the line out wide for flanker Dave Uglow to crash over for an unconverted try. For the 20 minutes left in the match Camels were only able to get out of their half once by a break away solo run by Gynn who was able to link up with fellow back rower Matt Angwin , who 10 meters from Bude's line had his pass intercepted. Powerful runs by Bude skipper Barry Sobey and prop Dave Risdon kept testing Wadebridges defence but they couldn't find a way through. The last 5 minutes saw Bude attacking from 10m out but they didn't add another score. The crowd erupted and the players rejoiced to the sound of the final whistle. Final score 15-5 to Camels.

"This will take a while to sink in. I've won it 3 times before, but this feels the best yet winning it with Wadebridge. These guys just need recognition for the work they put in and identified as quality players - the silverware says it all!" said Wilce.

"We didn't see much of the ball, especially in the second half but we did our research and it paid off. It felt as if the lads were defending for their lives. Seeing the trophy with all those big names, Penzance , Launceston, Redruth... now Wadebridge, it's truly great. "

Team: Treleaven (Boyling 60) Ballard, Bilkey, R.Hawkey, Wilce, Angwin (Cruse 78 min) Stone (West 65 mins) Gynn, S.Hawkey, Kneale, Cameron, May, O'Donnell (S.Hawkey 55 mins), McLennan (O. Hawkey 78 mins), Briskham(Mascall 78 mins)

29.3.08 Camels v Ivybridge

Camels were able to make it 2 out of 3 against Ivybridge this season as they went head to head last Saturday. In the windy conditions, both sides were running hard at each other. From the start Camels ran into Ivybridge's 22m but lost the ball. As it was kicked down field the Ivybridge winger was able to kick it on and await a timed bounce into his hands to get the 1st score after just 3 minutes. The conversion made it 7-0. Ivybridge using the elements, forced the home team back in their own half and a lineout from the visitors saw them cross the line to make the score 12-0 in as many minutes. Once Camels sorted things out and tidied up ball presentation and recycling at the breakdowns, they moved the ball well in the backs through McCarroll and Mascall seeing McLennan score his 19th try of the season. This was followed by a touch line conversion by fly half Kneale. Wadebridge started to gain control of the game and from a well drived lineout in Ivybridge's half skipper Gynn ran through 3 people to power over for an unconverted try. 12-12 was the half time score.#

10 minutes into the second half the Hawkey brothers linked well on a blind side move which involved scrum half Shaun pass to winger Ollie to score in the corner. Ivybridge continued to battle but the elements were against them and the home team were gaining confidence and momentum. 22 minutes into the second half the instrumental McCarroll sold a dummy to break away and score in the corner. Again converted. The fitness and mentality of Camels were shown and this allowed them to dominate the last quarter. This was shown on 32 minutes when No.8 Sam Stone went over from the back of the scrum after the pack's 5m drive.

"The last 2 weeks we haven't started too well. We'll have to ensure we hit the floor running next week as Bude are not a side that drop head and they will play for the full 80 minutes. Today, i believe that many minds were on next Saturdays game. We still need to concentrate on the league."

"Next week we're going to stay relaxed and enjoy the match but never give up the opportunity of Wadebridge Camels becoming County winners"

Team:
Treleaven (Boyling 35 mins), Ballard, Bilkey, Hawkey, Wilce, Angwin, Stone, Gynn (West 55 mins), Hawkey, Kneale, Hawkey, McCarroll, Mascall, McLennan, Cameron.

22.3.08 Camels v Camborne Cornwall Cup

For the first time in club history Wadebridge Camels will appear in the Cornwall cup final. At the weekend Camels played host to Camborne for the second year in a row in this competition. With a large crowd watching the memorial match before meant a large crowd was brewing for the semi final.

The game started with a fierce Camborne side on the rampage led by skipper Dave Roberts. On several occasions Camborne were penalised for foul play, try to intimidate Camels, but Camels were warned of what to expect and were rewarded with some penalty kicks to clear their lines.

On the 11 th minute, a penalty by Camels for foul play gave Camborne an opportunity to kick to the corner and from the lineout flanker Eaton was driven over which Mankee converted. Camels reply took 3 minutes when some tidy forward play sucked in the defence and once the over lap was created moved the ball to O'Donnell who drew the last defender and passed to McLennen to score in the corner.

In the 21 st minute another penalty was kicked to the corner and again Camborne were able to score through Bartle. The conversion was missed by Mankee. With 5 minutes to go before half time Camels fullback Dan Briskham cut an awesome line outside the centre to score under the posts. Kneale converted. The half time score was 12-12.

The first score in the second half came 8 minutes in when Bartle claimed his second try of the day. This was immediately replied by a typical Gary Gynn try with a sprint in from open play to score under the posts. The score was level again at 17-17. After this is was all one way traffic from the home side.

The turning point was when Camels turned the ball over near their own line and Briskham ran 80m and was just about to be tackled and passed over his head to McLennan for his second of the day. From the kick off the ball was gathered by Wilce who set up a ruck, from which flanker Stone made a break out of his own half and unfortunately in setting up the final pass, the ball was knocked on.

With Camborne in possession, the wanted to run from their own half and a telegraph pass saw scrum half Shaun Hawkey intercept and run in under the posts. Camels were running riot now and dominating the scrums and driven lineouts giving them much possession and territory. The final play of the match saw a break away try from fly half Kneale to beat a staggered defence and run under the posts, taking his total tally for the day to 15 points.

"Personally I believe we thought they'd play well and we let them to start with. I think the occasion got to us a bit as it was a situation we haven't been in before. It wasn't until we went ahead that we relaxed which is when we play better. We can learn from this! This is great for the lads; they've worked hard and deserve an opportunity to play in a final"

"All I want is Camels to be recognised as a club that has belief in going places and entertain the local crowd."

8.3.08 Minehead v Camels

Not for the first time this year Wadebridge Camels had to travel away from home with out several players in key areas. At the weekend they had to fulfil their longest journey to Minehead in Somerset . They were looking to complete a hat-trick over a team needing a win to stay in the league.

Things got off to a bad start when Camels turned up and only had half an hour until kick off after a misunderstanding with the kick off time. Earlier in the week they were told 3pm kick off but on arrival the referee and Minehead committee stated a 2.30pm ko. So after a quick change of clothing and a slight giggle of the Camels' players names were adjusted to in the programme made the start a little frantic.

This obviously had an effect on their game as the home side were able to get an easy run in try which was converted. Minutes later they were awarded a penalty for an infringement which saw them extend their lead to 10-0. After that stint of pressure Camels started to play some rugby in the rain but could no execute the moves and either got turned over or knocked the ball on. Majority of the 1 st have saw Minehead having to defend their lines. Pressure mounted and frustration was kicking in as the Camels continually kick the penalty to the corner and their effective lineouts were disrupted but the home side continuously collapsing the driving maul. No matter how much appealing, the referee was oblivious to the continuous infringement. Finally the Camels were awarded a 5m scrum and Number 8 Gary Gynn picked up from the base of the scrum and drove over to make the score 10-5 at half time.

A solid 2 nd half start saw Camels tested in defence as Minehead, again, came out firing. The score stayed like this for 25 minutes. With 15 minutes remaining, the visitors were able to claw their way back into the home half and were awarded a penalty which was converted by full back Matt Bailey taking the score to 10-8. Camels known for their determination streak, were looking the side to score next but solid defence and "effective' turning over of the ball from Minehead saw them score next. 5 minutes to go, a loose Minehead hand knocked the ball out of a Camels driven lineout and somehow the ball ended up on their side and quick hands up the hill by the home team's backs saw them get a converted try. With the score at 17-8 Camels worked hard to get in strike range and with the final play of the game Minehead gained possession and broke away uncontested to run in the corner to finalise the score of 22-8.

"We knew we had our work cut out as the club is suffering in the backs department due to injury, illness or personal issues. You have to give credit to the guys who stepped up." said Wilce.

"For our outstanding openside flanker Samuel Stone to travel 2 ½; hours, play at 12 shows the commitment of some of our players. To finish the game with our centres consisting of a flanker and a prop shows that it's a testing time for us."

"The lads have got a week off now. This means we can battle harder this week in training and focus on the mouth watering fixture on Easter Saturday."

Team

Treleaven, Ballard, Bilkey, Hawkey, Wilce, Angwin, Boyling, Gynn (Cruse 65 mins), Hawkey, Kneale, Hawkey, Stone, McCarroll (Burnard 75 mins), McLennen, Bailey

1.3.08 Camels v Penryn

Wadebridge Camels continued their dominant form at the Molesworth Field at the weekend. They played host to an already relegated Penryn side which resulted in a 53-0 win to the Camels. It only took 9 minutes to get on the score board, a break by outside centre, Jake McCarroll saw him pass inside to flanker Matt Angwin to score near the corner. McCarroll missed the conversion. Then on 15 minutes a trade-mark run by full back Dan Briskham saw him run 75 meters and end up under the posts. From the kick off there were a few rucks and another break away from Briskham saw him off load the ball to left wing Boo Tancock who ran in Camels' third try, converted by McCarroll. 25 minutes into the first half, after some good handling skills from the forwards, McCarroll received the ball on the half way line and after a couple side steps sprinted in the corner and was unable to convert his own try. The home forwards were dominant in all areas. This gave a solid platform for Number 8 Gary Gynn to pick up from the base of the scrum and burst 30m to score. The half time score was 29-0

In the second half, Camels had the wind behind them and had to defend the first 5 minutes as Penryn showed some form and passion. But this was soon extinguished when Ben May ran in a try on 45 minutes after good inter linking between forwards and backs. The Camels forwards took control in Penryn's 22m and after some tight power play they were held up just short by a determined Penryn side but as the ball appeared at the back of the ruck, snipping scrum half Shaun Hawkey dived into score. 50 minutes into the game a neat chip over the defensive line by Kneale was collected by McCarroll who got a final pass off to May to run in for his second of the match. With nothing to play for anymore, Penryn tried a more physical approach which unfortunately made the game scrappy which was disappointing for the large crowd. This period of the game saw the visiting veteran lock Kevin Hughes sin binned for punching a player in front of the referee and the instigating substitute hooker Phil Wells receive some of his own medicine!

Two minutes from time saw the final try of the game, coming from a well worked set move starting from the lineout and 3 pre-called phases saw Gynn run in for his 2 nd try of the game.

"I was pleased with the team today. We were able to show that we can play a tight game or an expansive game when it suits us." Said Wilce. "In a way I'm glad there was a bit of rough and tumble because if we stepped up a league I know that there will be more of that from some of the Gloucestershire sides."

"Today there were some individuals who I thought deserve a mention, the first being young Jake McCarroll who is developing game by game and Boo Tancock who has only played 2games this season due to his work in the Fire Brigade and moving out of the town. Boo has always been a reliable and committed player and is only a phone call away."

Team: R.Treleaven, I.Boyling, G.Bilkey, R.Hawkey (G.West 60mins), J.Wilce, M.Angwin (D.Cruse 55mins), S.Stone, G. Gynn (Capt), S.Hawkey, J.Kneale, B.Tancock, B.May, J.McCarroll, A.McLennan, D.Briskham (M.Ballard 38mins)