Old Reigations 7 Farnham 0

On a perfect day for running rugby and the wide open spaces of a first pitch in good condition, Farnham Under 16’s showed what they were capable of against a well drilled side who defended well -  and had to!

After a text book kick-off return by Farnham, the initial exchanges were even with Old Reigations making use of the slightest slope and slightest breeze to have the territorial advantage.  Secure set pieces from both sets of forwards and an even turn-over count kept the game in the balance as neither set of backs appeared to have the required penetration.  However, one moment’s defensive laps from Farnham half way through the first half and OR were in under the posts.

The score spurred Farnham into action and, with few exceptions, OR did not see the ball for the remainder of the game.  Jo Curran powered over from a line-out maul, but was held up.  Ben Rubio cut through from inside centre, but inexplicably chose to off-load when tackled over the try line.  However, apart from these two first half chances and despite endless possession in the second half, Farnham failed to reply.

As an aside to the game, the author would like to pay tribute to the friendliness and efficiency of OR club.  When Tom Paull went down under a collapsed maul and failed to get up, the first aid response and the speed at which an ambulance was summoned was first class.  I am happy to report that Tom suffered no more than a sprained neck (a very scary injury) and will be back in action soon. 

Meanwhile, back to the game - our backs seemed to have the pace but the last pass went astray, or the runner would not back himself and cut inside to meet OR’s defence lead by their very handy No8, whose team nickname of “Spoiler” was well earned.  Following some injuries and signs of weariness, Fanham played their substitutes and kept the pressure on – which is a testament to the quality on the bench – but the bounce of the ball stayed with OR until the final whistle.

While this result means that Farnham U16 have no chance of league honours this season, they can be very proud of what they achieved not only in the quality of the rugby they played, but the good spirit in which they played it.