By Ron Wood

Kiama have been forced to dig deep by a committed Camden outfit to maintain a narrow one-point Competition Lead over Shoalhaven. The Cows won a 21 – 19 battle at Camden Rugby Park after being behind for the majority of the match. With attacking football restricted somewhat in the wet slippery conditions both sides struggled to produce try scoring opportunities. It was the battle of the two very good forward packs that carried the day with the Kiama eight just overshadowing their opponents. 

Kiama finished with a three tries to two margin in the end with incumbent Cockatoo player, centre Mick Taylor proving the key difference between the sides. Taylor continues to impress, with his strong attacking game. His developing combination with wingman Nico Cowley which produced the match winning try late in the match has been a feature of the Cows season. 

Camden struck early when a very well executed backline play gave Fullback Patrick Reynolds an unhindered run straight through the middle of the Kiama centres for the first points of the match. Reynolds missed the conversion from close range so the Rams had to settle for a 5 – 0 lead after three minutes. Reynolds extended the lead to 8 – 0 with a penalty goal five minutes later. 

Busy Kiama Fly-Half Robert Siteine responded for the Cows with an individual effort where he bumped off several defenders to score and convert, before Reynolds goaled again for Camden to take a lead of 11 – 7 to the break.   

The heavy forward exchanges continued into the second half with neither pack conceding the ascendancy to their opponents. Kiama scored next to take the lead when a forward rush saw hooker Elisaia Leota crash over from close range for the Cows to take a 14 – 11 lead. Reynolds kicked another penalty goal to tie things up at 14 – 14 with thirty minutes still to play. 

The intensity of play continued but both sides struggled to put effective attacking plays together as both coaches went to their benches. Camden halfback Terry Fanolua orchestrated a period of play deep in the Cows area. Taking play to one side of the field with several phases, Fanolua then changed the angle of the attack finding No. 8 Tim Windle in space to the left setting him free on a run to the line for a five pointer. The try went unconverted as the Rams went to 19 – 14 lead. 

On the back of some fresh forward replacements, Kiama managed to spend considerable time in the Camden half but due to committed Rams defenders led by Flanker Tom Cusack, scoring opportunities didn’t come. The defining try of the day came with less than 15 minutes left on the clock. Camden cleared their line with a long kick which was taken by Cow Winger Nick Cowley just inside his own half. Returning the ball down the far touchline he linked up with his centre Mick Taylor who showed all his pace and power to carry the ball over the line and touch down in a handy position for Siteine to convert for the 21 – 19 winning margin. 

It was a very relieved Kiama side at Full time. They were relieved to get away with this one after once again starting slowly before finishing well enough to be in front at the end. Hard working Flanker Jeromy Cairns, who finished the match at Hooker continues to impress and will be heading to Tamworth next week for the Country Championships. His forward partners Rueben Thomas, Jack Hobbs, Darius Mafileo and Dante Patrick were prominent. Fly-Half Robert Siteine, Mick Taylor, who took three points in the Player of the Year Award, and his centre partner Frank Prodger were strong. 

Camden this week again showed that they are a force in 2024. Hooker Keeran McCourt worked hard all day and took a point in the IDRU Player Award, while big centre Tuiraviravi Daveta took two points. Forwards Tom Cusack, Tim Windle, Luke Platt and skipper Ioane Luafutu stood out again. 

Kiama 21 (Elisaia Leota 1 try, Mick Taylor 1 try, Robert Siteine 1 try, 3 goals) Def Camden 19 (Tim Windle 1 try, Patrick Reynolds 1 try, 3 penalty goals)

Other Match Results

Campbelltown 39 Def Bowral 17

Shoalhaven 59 Def Vikings 0