It was a dour but classically tough first half that saw Shoals ahead by three points to nil at the break, before Camden ended the game as winners by a bare two points, 17 to 15.

In many ways, Shoals were unlucky to lose this game but conversely Camden made greater use of the ball and were deserved victors.

In the final game of the regular season, Shoals ran onto the park trying to finish off in flourishing style.

Their victory last week over the talented and tough Campbelltown side had buoyed them up for this game.

They played it hard in the forwards and almost stole the points with a late burst but Camden had gone out to an unreachable lead in the time available.

The first half of the game was a hard tussle in the forwards.

Each team had some glorious periods of play but the defence was outstanding and resulted in a try-less 40 minutes.

In fact it was almost a nil-all score line at half-time but for a penalty goal to Sam Watts that put his team in front when oranges were pulled from the trainer’s bucket.

Angus Clark and Takunda Chimwaza played outstanding games throughout and tackled themselves to a standstill, as well as making some strong runs with ball in hand.

Not far behind them in torrid tenacity was Tim Lovett who has been in fine form all season.

Ash Henry, the veteran hooker, was again strong around the paddock and is a sprightly as a lickety split colt emerging from the shadows at a great gallop.

The second half produced a great period of resoundingly robust rugby that had the festive crowd on its toes throughout.

First one team, then the other would look to be dominant but the strong defence cancelled out many surges to the line.

Camden scored first in the second half, with a well struck penalty shot that earned them three points and tied up the game. 

They followed this up, after a concerted period of attacking rugby that saw their centre slice through out wide, to go over near the posts.

The simple conversion took them to a 10 points to three lead at the 23 minute mark.

Camden got on a roll and really opened their shoulders in a burst of quite scintillating play.

Shoals could not stop the marauding play and it was not long before the visitors posted their second converted try to give them a 14 point lead, with 14 minutes remaining on the clock.

Shoals shook the water off their back and roared into action.

With explosive bursts by Elijah Ah Chong and Takunda, they galloped into try scoring range.

Then, from a close in scrum, Paul Clements burst through from his half-back position and dived over for a well-constructed try out wide.

The conversion attempt by Jack Watts drifted across the goal mouth, crashed into the upright but bounced back into the field of play.

Still there remained sufficient time for a late surge to victory.

Shoals piled everything they had into the last eight minutes and they went close to scoring from the restart of play but the fate was against them.

Finally, with just a few minutes remaining, they surged towards Camden’s line.

A scrum was set, Shoals’ pack which had been dominant all game, buckled Camden’s forwards and a penalty try was awarded to Shoals.

Watts quickly converted the try but time had run out for the home team.

It was disappointing that Shoals could not repeat their great win from the previous week but they went awfully close to so doing.

Still it was a fine game of rugby to wind up the season.

Best players for Shoals were Angus Clark, Takunda Chimwaza, and Ash Henry.

The club gives young Angus Clark its congratulations for his selection in the NSW Country junior rugby union under 18s touring side to South Africa in November.

Angus has worked through Shoals’ junior sides over the years and made a rousing debut into the senior side this year.

All in all, season 2015 was a greatly improved one from last year and great credit for the resurgence in Shoals’ rugby must go to club and first grade coach, Michael Hayes.

Hayes instilled a great will to win and strengthened the club throughout with his great rugby coaching skills and all around enthusiasm.

Thanks go out to all our rugby sponsors in particular the Shoalhaven ExServicemens Club, without which the club's coffers would be much the poorer and which helps in many other ways particularly in making our ground one of the best in the business.