Brad Cameron was a relieved man on Saturday as University A walked from the field with a 30-12 victory over Kaikorai in the play-off for 3rd and 4th at the University Oval.
The big No 8 has been unlucky not to score on several occasions this the season and had been ribbed by his team-mates for going through the season tryless.
But Cameron denied them a post-season celebratory round when he touched down not once but twice to make doubly sure his wallet stayed in his pocket.
Cameron was also one of the stars as University A secured third place in the premier division one championship with some outstanding play from the back of the scrum.
His work-rate around the field, particularly at the breakdown, was also high.
The game was keenly contested, with the teams' competitiveness resulting in some fractious play in the final 20min.
Both backlines put in some tenacious defence, and created tactical attacking opportunities.
Ryan Grant and Andrew Parata stood out in midfield for University A, while the midfield combination of Matt Direen and Mark McGregor was once again very useful. Henry McLernon was very effective at halfback for University A, and worked well with No 8 Cameron.
Openside flanker Charlie Swart complemented a hard-working University A tight five spear-headed by prop and captain Sam Hibbard.
Kaikorai's tight five were all outstanding around the field, with Cam Ward, Scott Murphy and Albert Herron in particular proving a handful from broken play.
Herron's try was an example of how he can expose weaknesses from broken play; he made an angled 38m run, using his pace and fending ability to score in the corner.
University A 30 (Brad Cameron 2, Randell Kamea, Ryan Grant, Charlie Swart, Sam Hibbard tries), Kaikorai 12 (James Stevenson, Albert Herron tries; Andrew Reid 1 conversion).
Half-time: 10-5.
Referee: Doug Rodgers.
University A 30
Kaikorai 12
