Farnham RUFC Academy emerged victorious after another close fought Surrey U18 League match away at Esher.  Scoring two tries each the sides were separated by the quality of the place kicking. Academy skipper Ben Rubio converted both Farnham tries while the Esher No10 missed one of the two opportunities he had.

The pitch at Esher was flat and wide with, despite the recent weather, a firm surface.  However a strong wind down the pitch gave the team with it at their back a distinct advantage.  It was therefore a game of two halves. 

With the wind advantage in the first half, Farnham had the territory and with that scored their two tries.  The first was a fantastic individual effort from full back Gabe Hills who received a clearance kick on the half way line and taking an astute line, cut the Esher defence in half.  The second try was a training ground back’s move culminating with Michael Salmon receiving the ball at pace on the 22 to burst through the Esher defence.

The second half saw Esher turn the wind and territorial advantage into their two scores and Farnham rarely visited their opponents 22.  At 12-14 Esher missed their chance to win the game by scuffing a penalty shot at goal bang in front of the posts.  Farnham dug deep and kept Esher out for the last 10 minutes of extreme pressure.  In the ultimate analysis it was this commitment that was the difference between the teams.
 
“Ed Weeks was man of the match,” said coach, Geoff Bond.  “He played at flanker, No8 and scrum half and was everywhere tackling or making yards with ball in hand.  The result showed this Farnham side has character as well as skill.  A great result.”