We don’t go a bundle on hyperbole here in Camborne. Normally a spade is just that, a spade. But this weekend changes that viewpoint.
This really is the biggest weekend in the rugby club’s destiny for all of our senior teams and our Colts for some years.
We’re at the season’s mid-point and what happens on Saturday and Sunday will shape the direction of the four teams over the next 4 or 5 months, possibly the next few seasons.
We’ll start with the Colts. Being personally connected to the Colts, I’ve watched them grow since their reformation 3 seasons ago. I’ve seen them grow into a force, particularly the last 2 seasons (because the lad is in there yanking up trees). Last season saw them snag some county silverware and even finish second in the Ghent Easter Rugby Festival, missing out narrowly to a squad made up of Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers Academy lads who hadn’t been out the night before taking advantage of Belgium’s laissez-faire drinking laws.
This season they have really excelled themselves, winning 6 from 6. The most notable of which was probably their last victory at Lanson, the game snatched from the hosts despite their last minute try.
Their hosts for tomorrow, a combination of Penryn and Falmouth, sit top of the league by virtue of having played one more game, however the gap is only 2 league points with them having fallen to Wadebridge in the opening round. Since then, they have, like Camborne, ran the league ragged, scoring an impressive 274 points and conceding only 87 in response.
Kick off for this match is 10.30 at Falmouth RFC.
Next up, the Seconds. Having proven too strong for the confines of Counties 3 last season and the disastrous coronation midway through the season, our Seconds have come back into the league above absolutely firing. Bolstered by the young graduating Colts and new players, the elder statesmen (by that, I mean enforcers) have created a side bristling with energy, pace and experience.
Many of the players can skip from one senior squad to the other without skipping a beat and on some match days I can only imagine what goes through the opposing props mind when he packs down against Sam Rodman, Championship quality prop and Andrius Zacharovas, an absolute bear disguised (some would say badly) as a man. Add this fire power to the rapid thinking of Alfie Brooksbank, in his first year of senior rugby, and Ewan Murray, one of the quickest and strongest wingers I’ve seen in years.
Helston sit in 2nd, played 8, winning 6. Although a victory wouldn’t endanger Town’s position at the top of the table, it’s a statement of intent for the rest of the season. Any team can be a different beast on their own turf, so the Seconds won’t be in for a cake walk. Helston are fit and gnarly, and will prove to be a great test.
Kick off in Helston is 2.30pm.
Now on to our Ladies. These are such a great bunch and we’re all thrilled at the advance they’ve made since last season. The difference in the style and quality of their rugby can’t be put into words, but if this season’s team played last season’s team, they’d put a 100 points on them. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing all but one of their matches so far this season and have enjoyed them all.
Opening their season at Falmouth back in October saw them put 54 unanswered points on the hosts. They followed this by adding 83 points to their tally without anyone crossing their try line. It wasn’t until round 3, up at Saltash when they suffered their first minus points, but still coming away 5 – 31 to the good. St. Austell also managed a try but couldn’t fight a 5 – 35 victory.
Kingsbridge are looking to be the toughest of opponents having amassed an incredible 216 points to Camborne’s 203. The key difference here is they haven’t conceded a point. The truth is, both squads are too strong for the league, but only one can take the spoils. This match really will shape the rest of Camborne Women’s short form season. They have only 10 games to prove their considerable grit.
This epic battle will be on The Rec on Sunday 14th December at 2pm. Entry is free and it would be great to fill the stands and give the girls the support they deserve.
Finally, our First team. Holding the top spot most of the season. We’ve been here before. The pressure of being top of the pile is immense. Every team welcoming us with open arms and hammers, and those coming to The Rec are determined to topple the big lad at the summit of the heap of vanquished challengers.
This year feels different in some ways. A deeper pool of players, players from across the senior section moving seamlessly (and without detriment) between squads, improvements around the club, both in infrastructure and administration. A little less “village” and more professional.
Luctonians are some outfit too, though. Like us, they sat top most of the 23/24 season only to get “Cliftoned” by Dings Crusaders in the embers of the season. In our previous meetings, Lucs have had the best of Town on 3 out of the 4 match ups, Camborne losing both fixtures in the 23/24 season and sharing a win each last season, both teams winning their home fixture. Some might say that the loss at Luctonians last year was the tipping point that gave Clifton the added confidence to leap-frog the Cherry and Whites.
This potential title decider kicks off at 2pm. Bars open from 12!