SECOND TEAM SEASON REVIEW 07/08

Wadebridge Camels second team brought their season to a close by receiving the Cornwall Merit Table Division One trophy at Redruth. Un-fortunately, they could not end the season with a victory against a very strong Redruth Development team in wet and windy conditions. It is the first time in Camels history that they have won this title and all players involved should feel really proud of themselves.

This year Olly Lock took on the captaincy and pre-season soon indicated that there would not only be competition for places in the first team, but also the seconds. This later lead to the formation of a Camels third team. The season started with a run of eight straight wins for the second team, playing a fast brand of rugby with a very strong defence.

Un-fortunately this run came to an end in a pulsating top of table clash at Penzance on the Mennaye Field in early November. Despite fielding their strongest team of the season, Camels went down 35-25 against an experienced and committed Pirates team who will surely re-enter the leagues as an amateur side at some stage with the playing talent they have. This loss coupled with obstacles put in front of the Camels in Penzance would be stored up and used for motivation for the return fixture later in the season.

During the core part of the season the Camels squad was stretched with injuries and un-availability and the first team were pleased to be able to promote players into their squad who had been playing a good standard of rugby and would be more than capable of playing in the Western Counties league.

The destination of the Merit Table title was really decided in February with two crucial home fixtures against Penzance and Redruth Development on consecutive Saturdays. The Penzance game was a highly physical and intense battle in which Camels gained revenge with a 16-5 victory with crucial scores from Ant Merrett and Will Curnow. The defence from the Camels in this game was amazing lead by the forceful back row of Dicky Dawe, Neil Meneer and Michael Pearce. This victory was followed with another crucial result against Redruth and despite conceding a couple of soft scores, the Camels won 32-24. Outstanding prop Adam ‘Barrell' Coleman, enjoying a fantastic season, was Man of the Match in this game with his bullocking runs and hand off's exciting the home crowd. During these two games and throughout the whole season, fly half Matt Bailey made some very influential performances and was the teams highest points scorer.

The Merit Table title was secured with a 25-0 away victory at Launceston with a solid and hard working performance at the end of March. The season came to a bit of an ant-climax at Redruth with the loss and the un-fortunate occurrence of a mix up with the presentation. The least said about that the better! Despite this the team celebrated the most successful season the seconds have ever had long into the night with a Captain's night in Truro . The team would like to thank all the boys from the Eclipse Nightclub in Truro for making them feel so welcome and showing them such a good time.

The future is very bright for Wadebridge Camels and it is very important for the club to have a successful reserve team and strong squad. With a collection of very promising Colts coming through, next season could also be one to remember.

Thanks boys for all your hard work and commitment. More Captains days to come next year, Moonshine!!