After a lengthy drive to the ground, Farnham initially looked sluggish in the warm up, but by kick off time they tore into the G&F team, with both backs and forwards looking potent, and playing to the game plan. This is a much changed Farnham team with several teenagers playing, and four players making their debut for the senior side, and whilst lacking in experience, there could be no faulting the side’s commitment. A further debut saw prop Graeme Black captain the side for the first time, and he led by example throughout the match.
With the wind behind them, Farnham pinned G&F in their own half, and ran a number of phases through the forwards before allowing the backs to run free. Despite some early dominance, an over zealous referee saw Farnham frustrated as they attempted to build from some good lineout ball. Eventually Farnham’s pressure told as they executed a number of catch and drive moves, before freeing Henry Marklew to run an excellent line to score under the posts. Andy James converted to give Farnham a deserved 7-0 lead.
Unfortunately soon afterwards Farnham switched off to allow an unconverted G&F try to be scored. Immediately Farnham raised their game, and the team will feel disappointed to only have a well taken Marklew drop goal to show for their total dominance of this period of the match. James Worlidge made some strong runs coming from deep positions, and Franco and Big Chris in the second row also came to prominence. Further frustration occurred as Ben Murphy was sent to the bin for a harmless late challenge, and with the referee keen to spot every Farnham infringement it came as no surprise when G&F scooted over for a converted try, to leave the half time score at 12-10 in their favour.
Once again Farnham faced a half time deficit, and despite adding fresh legs they fell asleep from the kick off to allow G&F to stretch their lead. When Marklew was also sent to the sin-bin to mar a fine game in attack, G&F seemed to be out of sight at 27-10. This Farnham team is not short of character though, and again the team came to the fore with some excellent line breaks by Fran Meager giving the side a lift. Further strong running from fullback and debutant Jonny Andrews saw Farnham again constantly in G&F territory, only for the ball to be turned over by a final misplaced pass or refereeing decision.
Eventually Farnham pressure had to tell, and some fine close inter-passing set up the position for Gareth Evans to make use of his trademark show and go before sprinting to the corner for a fine try. Unfortunately the conversion was missed, and Farnham were out of time, in a game that they could, and possibly should have won. Nevertheless all involved can feel pleased with the progress that they have made, and the large but generally silent crowd bore witness to how close Farnham had come to a fine away win.
This weekend Farnham host Old Wellingtonians in what should be an excellent match (2.30p.m. kick off)with a sizeable crowd, and afterwards they will be hosting their fantastic fireworks extravaganza. Tickets can be purchased on the night, with the gates opening at 6.30 p.m.
