Macarthur Rugby League: Camden Rams make the grand final after epic extra-time win over Campbelltown City
Diminutive captains Brad Speechley and Michael Stevens traded trick shots like super heavyweights in an extraordinary Macarthur Rugby League final. See who won the epic contest.
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For the most part it looked as drab as Thirlmere’s grey sky. In the end, it finished with more twists and turns than a corkscrew.
Put simply, the Camden Rams won 29-25, but it couldn’t have been more complex. An epic 101-minute journey that saw the Rams return to the decider for the first time since 2016 in a contest that didn’t deserve a loser.
Initially it seemed predictable as Brad Speechley guided his Rams to what appeared an unassailable 24-6 advantage after 48 minutes.
From there, Speechley’s equally cagey opposite, Michael Stevens, piloted the Kangaroos to a one-point lead with three minutes of regular time to play.
It ushered in a 24-minute haze of panic and mayhem.
A Jackson Willis match-levelling drop goal after a miraculous ball-strip by Speechley in the final minute was the catalyst for two periods of extra time.
In a frantic finale there were five sprayed field goal attempts, inconceivable defence and arguably the longest hat-trick of all time, when centre Kienan Tempest crossed for his third and match-winning golden-point try 97 minutes after scoring his first.
Still buzzing after his side’s great escape, it was Speechley who initiated an afternoon of extraordinary events in the fourth minute, his cross-field kick deflecting off an upright and into Tempest’s outstretched hands for a freakish four-pointer.
“Even when we were up 24-6, we knew they’d finish strong, just like they did the week before to run down Picton,” the Rams co-coach said.
“Although when Stevens’ field goal put City in front, we still backed ourselves, we’ve been resilient all year.”
In a frenzy of would-be turning points, it was a long-range bust by star Rams fullback Mason Cerruto which sealed City’s fate. A moment in time that Stevens would rather forget.
“After completing six of 13 sets in an ordinary first half, I thought we’d done enough once we hit the lead,” the Kangaroos captain-coach said.
“If we’d just held the ball at the end – Cerruto’s break was made after we kicked long on the third tackle of a seven tackle set.
“We had no chasers and Mason just stepped up. Shannon Gallant did well to bring him to ground, but we had no numbers and Tempest made us pay with his winning try.”
Much of Camden’s best came on the back of Danny Fualalo’s damaging charges, just like City rode a wave behind their own props, Nicholas Soloa Toomata and Josh Honan.
The heartbreak for City will linger long over the summer months, especially for Chris Williamson.
In combination with Stevens, the backrower was instrumental in City’s comeback, and on another day his first half attacking raids may well have yielded another couple of tries.
The win sees Camden join minor premiers East Campbelltown Eagles in the grand final, to be played at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on September 11. In what will be a big day for the Camden club, Speechley’s men will be joined by their undefeated reserve grade outfit and open age women’s side.
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