The result might have been predictable, but this was a performance that showed that Farnham are definitely moving forwards as they continue their re-building process. After the torrential rain that has fallen over the last few weeks Farnham were forced to play the match on the old 1^st XV pitch, and despite the heavy conditions, both sides contributed to a game that entertained the reasonable crowd that attended.

Farnham appeared switched on throughout the warm up, and despite conceding an early penalty score, they enjoyed a considerable period of time in the opposition half, threatening on a number of occasions to convert their pressure into valuable points. Despite playing into a strong wind, the Farnham pack took the game to Old Paulines, and some good game management from scrum half Gareth Evans and fly half Nigel Rooney saw Farnham pressing for an early score. An initial lineout catch and drive saw Farnham rumble close to the line, and Old Paulines could count themselves fortunate to get away with a number of offences resulting in a collapsed maul. Again Farnham battered away at the line, only for Paulines to get away with some sly hands in the ruck, and worse was to follow as they escaped up field to score a converted try under the posts after a single missed tackle in midfield.

Undaunted Farnham roared back into their opponents, but the rub of the green just failed to go their way. Firstly a member of the opposition got away with an outrageous trip on fullback Andy James, before Farnham conceded possession in promising situations to some clear handiwork in the ruck. Farnham maintained their focus, and intelligently began to use the maul to good effect, only to be denied again by some clear skulduggery resulting in dynamic mauls being pulled to the ground. Paulines rode their luck, and when a static Farnham defence failed to go forwards they scored a further converted try to turn around 17 points to the good at half time.

Despite the scoreline the mood at half time was positive, with Steve Clarke and Dean Chiverton competing superbly in the lineout, and the scrum providing steady ball. Although Farnham had missed a couple of tackles, their general commitment to the defensive cause was unmistakable, with Nigel Rooney making a number of important tackles in the 10 channel, and other players also making big hits to drive their opposite number backwards. 

With the wind at their backs Farnham began the second half strongly, and correctly kept Old Paulines pinned back with some astute tactical kicking to the corners. The Farnham lineout continued to dominate, and Old Paulines were forced into long periods of defence well inside their own half. Farnham’s controlled aggression saw Paulines losing their cool, and centre Fran Meager can feel hard done by to have been sin-binned with his opposite number after an altercation on the ground, when the Farnham player had simply nailed his man legitimately. Totally against the run of play Old Paulines broke to score after Farnham had failed to put the strong ball carrying blindside flanker down, and with Farnham’s record of defeats this season it would have been easy for the team to cave in. However, this Farnham side is fast improving, and inspired by Graeme Black the captain, the team immediately responded.

Sustained Farnham pressure led to a number of penalty awards near the Paulines try line, and Gareth Evans was unfortunate to be deemed as held up over the line. Although temporarily deprived Farnham were not to be denied a try, and Steve Clarke capped a fine comeback performance with a try, converted by Rooney. Farnham now had the bit firmly between their teeth, and further driving play saw them create a number of scoring opportunities. Unfortunately Farnham failed to convert their pressure, and in the final minute Paulines broke away to score once more to leave them winners by 27 points to 7.

Farnham will be disappointed to have lost a game in which they were more than competitive, but the many supporters in attendance can testify to the improvements that this side have made this year. Next week Farnham have a tough away fixture against Old Wellingtonians, where their resolve will be well tested.

Despite the number of losses the side are starting to enjoy playing together, and the numbers at training remain excellent as evidenced by approximately 30 players taking part in a circuit training session at the club on Tuesday night when the pitch was under water. Farnham are likely to be relegated this season, but with such spirit and an attitude to get better, coupled with a number of quality new players joining, things are starting to look positive for the future.

If you are interested in joining Farnham please contact Karl Brown (07795490922) or check out the website for more information (Farnhamrugby.org). Interested players/teams are also reminded that the Farnham Sevens competition will be taking place this year on Saturday 26^th April, with details available on the website.