THE Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens/Printer Corp first grade side’s long trek to Camden Oval was an even longer trip home after Camden displayed a huge array of skills to overwhelm them 64-12.
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Camden ran in 12 tries during the game in a vigorous display of racing forwards and flashing backs.
They scored four tries in the first half to lead by 20-nil at the break and racked up a further 44 points in the second half to record a comprehensive victory.
Shoals tackled their hearts out but just could not contain the rampaging Camden players, particularly their speedy centre, their flying wingers and their huge but nimble fullback.
Shoals took to the field with a much changed team from the previous game, yet again.
A vast number of players were unavailable for this round of games and their absence rippled through the grades.
In the forwards fiery Ross Dunlop returned with all his vim and vigour, young Tom Aney more than held his own against the experienced Camden forwards, while Josh Dennis and Matt Spressor came into the back line.
Steve Holmes went into the centres with the burly and youthful Jones running at half back.
Tom Horton was, as always, a rock for his side with his outstanding tackling, knocking player after player over and his swooping midfield breaks often turned defence into attack.
Unfortunately he was injured halfway through the game, but his replacement, Chad Fraser, was a most welcome returning warrior for the club.
Shoals struggled to gain any sort of foothold into this game as Camden dominated nearly all the line outs and gained loads of turnover ball at the break down.
In the first half Shoals made an enormous amount of tackles which wore them down as the game went on.
In the second half Shoals defence became quite porous and Camden strolled at will through the gaping holes.
Shoals stirred noticeably for a 10 minute period halfway through the second half when they finally managed to get some possession and launched their first series of attacking raids in the game.
They went close a few times then finally spun the ball out wide for Stuey to fly over out wide for yet another try.
They went back on the attack from the restart and it was not long before centre, Matt Spressor, was rewarded for a solid game when he forced his way over the line.
This however was the end of a brief comeback and Camden settled back into their rhythm and piled on a further three tries.
While this was a fast and spectacular game the score line for Shoals’ supporters meant they did not enjoy it nearly as much as the large vocal home crowd that had gathered at this Wire Lane ground.
Best players for Shoals were Tom Horton, Josh Dennis and Ross Dunlop.
Shoals return to Ricoh Rugby Park on Saturday, May 31 for their home game against Tech Tahs.
This will also be the annual Green Steam Day which has proved a great deal more than ordinary in past years.