Despite having undergone a difficult season, the annual Curry Cup game between Farnham 2^nd and 3^rd teams proved massively uplifting, with some quality rugby being played in front of a generous crowd. With both teams supplemented by the odd 1^st XV veteran, all of the players gave their all in a committed game, and the end of game etiquette highlighted the close bond that is forming between the players, and promises well for the future strength of the club.

The 3^rd team kicked off the game by attacking the club house end, and immediately showed that they were not on the pitch simply to make up numbers. The forwards took the ball forwards strongly, and the backs kept several phases going with some exciting enterprise, without quite managing to trouble the scoreboard. The 2^nd XV responded with some strong play of their own, and in the 10^th minute flanker James Trodden crossed the whitewash after a trademark show and go from scrum half Gareth Evans, with Rooney converting to establish a 7 point lead.

The 2^nd team built on their lead when turnover ball, followed by some good handling in the backs, saw Sticky Lewis go over in the corner. Unfortunately this time Nigel Rooney was unable to make the conversion from out wide. Undeterred the 3’s came back in the 24^th minute when the impressive Tom Kirkham scored after some excellent forward driving and re-cycling. With the conversion missed the 2^nd team began to grow in authority, and some fast ball generated after a number of forward drives saw Sticky Lewis coming onto the ball from deep with a bit of pace, and after a couple of slashing steps he had just enough strength to hold off the defence to score an unconverted try out wide. Barely four minutes later Ritchie Phillips broke through some poor tackling to score, and with Rooney finding his range for the conversion, the 2^nd team led 24-5 approaching half time. Importantly the 3^rd XV chose not to lie down and deservedly scored an unconverted try themselves through the powerhouse that is Andy Stent, after having repeatedly taken the game to the 2ns in ambitious style.

The 24 -10 half time scoreline was probably slightly flattering to the 2^nd team, but they began the 2^nd half the most strongly and scored a special try barely five minutes into the new half. The returning Lewis capped a fine afternoon by coming onto the ball again from depth, and despite the pass being behind him, Lewis managed to catch the ball on his back before juggling the ball twice around his body before flopping over under the posts for a magnificent score. How the 1^st team could do with the return of a player of this calibre, and how Lewis’ future children could do with reading a match report like this about their dad! Amazingly the reliable Rooney missed the conversion from under the posts, the 3^rd XV sensed an opportunity to break up the party atmosphere.

At 29 – 10, the 3^rd team had much to do, but two quick tries from Steve Simmonds (converted by Andy Williamson) and the rampaging bull that is academy player Joe “Arfur” Curran, saw the 3’s close the gap to within 7 points. When Mike Williams made a superb break involving strength, footwork, and pace from inside his own 22 the 3^rd team looked like snatching at least a draw, only for the ball to get turned over five metres from the try line, allowing the 2^nd team to clear deep into the opposition half. With time running out, the 3’s couldn’t regain the ball, and with the final play of the match Fran Meager crashed over the try line after coming onto the ball from deep like an exocet missile.

The final score was 34 – 22 to the second team, but if both sets of these boys continue to train the future of Farnham RFC looks healthy. Congratulations to all those involved in another fine exhibition of the many positives that surround Farnham RFC. Next week the club hosts it’s annual Sevens Tournament, with 28 teams competing throughout the day in main, plate, vase, bowl and beer competitions. Matches start at 11 a.m. and entrance is free to all interested spectators.