The Rams took only seven minutes to score the first try in their Illawarra District Rugby Union game when Gavin Holder ran in a five-pointer after capitalising on a Uni mistake. A minute later their captain, Andrew Vernon, denied Uni a try when he took his opponent over the sideline just one metre out from the try line.

However, two penalty goals brought Uni to within one point of the Rams as the home team went into the break leading 7-6.

The Rams turned away Uni on numerous occasions during the first half with a stalwart defensive line. But too often in attack, the Rams kicked ahead when the ball could have been spread wide to players in support.

Camden co-coach Alastair Le Good said he realised it was going to be difficult to maintain a strong defensive presence for 80minutes.

``Our defence was fantastic in the first half but we knew we just couldn't do it for the whole game,'' he said.

``We tried to build phases and had a few bad kicks, but we were still in there with a chance of winning.

``We just didn't find touch with our kicks.

``It's their choice out on the ground whether to kick or not, and they obviously thought it was the right option at the time.''

Uni took the lead five minutes into the second half and ran in another try when the Rams lost the ball five metres from their goal posts.

Uni extended their lead to 23-7 with a penalty goal with 15minutes remaining.

Holder took a quick tap from a penalty and ran 20metres for his second try of the game to give the Rams a glimmer of hope for a comeback, but the clock beat them.

``Our scrums, lineouts and set pieces were spot-on,'' Le Good said. ``We just have to keep working away and we'll come good because the players we have are talented the way they play.

``If we work very hard the wins will come, but we have to be a bit smarter when we have possession.''

Camden will play an away game against Tech Tahs on Saturday at 3pm.