Farnham 1st XV 29 - CL London 18

Farnham were keen to ensure that there was not a repeat of the previous encounter when the teams met. Farnham were just on the wrong side of a very small losing margin.

The game did not start well when the CL London Centres, who posed a threat all afternoon, broke through week tackles and threatened the Farnham line. After some rushed defensive Farnham managed to slow the onslaught, however CL London recycled the ball and scored the first try no less than 5 minutes in. The try was unconverted. Farnham still looked a bit lethargic in defence and not long passed before CL London Scored again. This time it was converted taking the scores to 12 – 0.

It looked like it was going to be a long afternoon for Farnham until however James Franklin finished off a well worked catch and drive at the line out. Chris Penn could not add the extra points from the wind angle.

Farnham now started to find their rhythm, Chas Penn and Harvey Hoyte-Bone starting to get the measure of the CL London centers. It wasn’t long before Morgan Rushton crossed the line again from a line out. Chris Penn added the points from in front of the posts. Scores 12 – 12.

In the closing stages of the first half CL London managed to earn themselves a penalty in front of the Farnham posts which was converted to give the visitors a 3 point lead into the second half. The drama did not finish there, and before the haft time whistle the referee saw fit to put a Cl London player in the sin bin for swinging arms and/or fists at a Farnham player.

After the half time oranges, Farnham came back strong and were keen to press home the one man advantage they had at the set piece, The line out proved to be a very good attacking platform for Farnham all afternoon, and it wasn’t long before James Trodden showed good strength to ride two tackles and score under the posts. Chris Penn added the extras, and within minutes took Farnham another 3 points clear with a Penalty. Scores 22 -15.

The Farnham backs were next to get on the score sheet when substitute Tom Coussins crossed the line in the corner round a frustrated CL London back line. Chris Penn converted and took the final scores to 29 – 18, with Farnham also securing the 4 try bonus points.

This was a close call for Farnham, despite the score line which sees them go joint 4th in the league table.

Next week Farnham are on the road again to play a struggling Raynes Park side. A win there may gain Farnham progress to third in the standings.

Report by: Toby Comley