Farnham 1st XV 16 - Old Cranleighans 14

Farnhams fixture after a deserved weeks rest was an away trip from the muddy fields of Wrecclesham to play a rejuvenated Old Cranleighan side. Old Cranleighans are in the same boat as Farnham, they have strung together successive wins together and find themselves sat in the middle of the league table just 2 points above Farnham. A win for Farnham would see the two teams swap places.

Old Cranleighans started well and were first to get points with a converted try through a sleepy Farnham defence. Farnham then started to fight back with some strong runs from Harvey Hoyte-Bone and Francis Meagher. However, Farnham went into the half time break 7 points down.

After Farnham shuffled a few players around in key positions it was clear that Farnham wanted the win. Old Cranleighans gave away numerous penalties and Chris Penn, returning from injury, duly converted. Penn closed the gap to 6-7. Old Cranleighans scored and converted with 5 minutes to go to extend the lead to 6 – 14. A loose kick from Old Cranleighans to full back Toby Comley gave Farnham a chance to attack a broken field defence. Comley, Chas Penn, and Dave Hurley linked together sublimely and Comley finished the move off in the corner. Penn converted. The scores 14 – 13 with a 70 seconds to go.

Old Cranleighans poor discipline which had been present all afternoon finally gave Penn a chance to win the game. Penn struck it well and the scores were 16 – 14. With just the kick off to go.Old Cranleghans kick off and regained the ball. The ball was spread wide to the Old Cranleighans back. A surging run was met by a massive tackle from hooker Morgan Rushton to force the knock on. With this the final whistle went and Farnham were victorious!

Man of the Match James Trodden who did a fine job playing out of the favoured position at prop.

Match report by: Toby Comley