[b]/b]
Today saw the start of our League campaign with an away match at Camberley.
Following last week's match, mid week training and the welcome addition of 4 players from Feltham, selection was made (from our squad of 28) and for once we had 22 players for the squad. There would be obvious disappointments, but competition for places is now here to stay!

Everything was ok until Saturday when we lost seven players in one go, 4 from injuries at school rugby. We finally, with walking wounded, managed 20 players - nice whilst it lasted though.

Though none of the players were aware of the injuries, it appears that they were just not up for this game at any level. Even the warm up was a struggle to get their attention and this is exactly how the game started.
With words of wisdom about making your first tackle count ringing in their ears, Vandals proceeded to allow Camberley to power through some very inept tackle attempts to score with ease. Conversion missed, back to the centre for another go.

The first half was a succession of lost scrums or going backwards, missed tackles, lack of support for ball carriers and missed opportunities to pass when we had a clear overlap. Camberley managed to score 6 more tries before Vandals actually delivered a very good move from quick penalties in the Camberley 22. The score coming from another solo effort by James Gulliver driving at the line and when stopped short, he presented the ball for Milan Virdee to take and crash over for the try which was not converted.
Half time saw Camberley ahead by another try at 42 - 5.

The second half saw a revived Vandals side finally putting in some good tackles and looking for the ball but they were penalised in their own 22 and the Camberley forwards battered until a gap was found out wide and they crossed the line for the final try of the league game.
Final score was 45 - 5 to Camberley.

In truth, Camberley were well organised and played well in the loose together, keeping or stealing the ball well. Their scrum was consistently strong, driving Vandals off their own ball or disrupting well. Had we taken the obvious opportunities we had created, giving close support to the ball carrier or giving the right pass when you have an overlap, the result could have been different.

Basics are a problem when you don't make the effort and there were many who are guilty of just not trying hard enough to get a tackle in. More work to be done on the basics.

I hope this is the bottom boys, and that the only way now is up! It is entirely down to you where you go from here.