Farnham starting to gel after 3 wins in a row

The conditions were perfect with a gentle breeze for this match against Portsmouth Navy personnel. As Farnham’s first game on a 4G pitch, pace would be the order of the day and the visitors had that in abundance.

After a much better start than of late, Farnham made inroads through forwards Ian and Dan Williams (no, not another set of brothers) both gaining hard yards through the US defence - encouraging. Patience to the fore and a multi-phase rolling attack left the US rear-guard in tatters and put veteran centre Jemi Akin-Olegbade over for the opening score. Easy points for fly half Elliott Richardson 0-7 Farnham.

US Portsmouth showed resolve and they counter attacked deep into the Farnham half. A turnover and clear? No! A penalty against Farnham is awarded for some skulduggery at the ruck and its three points to the hosts. 3-7.

Lessons have been learned and the Farnham pack begin to rumble with intent. The Williams pair, Lenny Jennings (back to the fray at hooker) and a loose forward trio of Meagher, Will Markham and Will Turkington dominate the breakdown building pressure. A big drive from Dan Williams and the US defence is again exposed allowing Richardson to skip in for the try. 3-12.

The Farnham defence is strong and the attack potent but why, oh why, do we not capitalise? The butchered tries and wasted opportunities began to mount - one, two, three, four, five chances go begging with a poor final pass or poor decision. Its white-line fever in spades.

This was a game that should have been out of sight by half time. It’s great that that the chances are being made and when the top two inches kick in with better decision making, the scores will come.

Half time constructive input from match skipper Toby Comley and Coach Matt Kemp ensures a good start and another surge through the middle by props Joris and Coutts. They free up centre Corlett for a break through the opposition 22. 3-17 plus the extras for Richardson.

US have yet to visit the Farnham half during this period, but when they do, it is to good effect. A line break is held but the following attacking scrum puts flanker Davis over under the posts. 10-19.

Lessons have been learned and Farnham go back to the phases and create another piercing breakout that sees Jemi gallops 50 yards to the corner to score.

A sweeping attack spearheaded by Comley and Weeks sees the latter over in the corner 10-29.
As the clock runs down US launch their final assault and score a carbon copy of their first try as the flanker detaches from a big drive and surges for the line. Final Score 17-29.

Farnham's first match against United Services Portsmouth for six years was a testing encounter which Farnham justifiably won. It was also a chance for Club President Geoff Bond to walk down memory lane with old, and some very old, playing friends from his US playing days in the 1970s. Fond memories.

This was a good display by Farnham - pace, support and variety. The team will know, however, that at least five tries went begging. Less frenetic play and more precision and this team will go to the top.

Next up unbeaten league leaders and local rivals Camberley visit Monkton Lane on October 24th - it should be a cracker.

Podium Points
Ian Williams 3
Will Markham 2
Dan Williams 1