Old Haileyburians 6 – 67 Farnham

Farnham travelled up the A3 on Saturday to face Old Haileyburians with a real desire to make amends for last years 41-12 defeat at the hands of the opposition.

Farnham had a relatively large contingent of support for this fixture and they were not let down by the feast of running rugby, continuity and support play on display by the visitors.

On the day that became the warmest on record for October in the UK, Farnham began to turn up the heat, even at this early stage of the season, on their league rivals with a thrilling victory, truly banishing last year’s abhorrent display.

Farnham, as with last week, took some time to establish their tempo on the game and the score was 3-6 after approximately twenty minutes, with both sides having kicked the penalties on offer.

It was around this time that Farnham established their pattern of play on their less fit and less able to defend opponents. Farnham used every opportunity to run at their opposition and turned defence into attack time after time, causing havoc in the Old Haileyburians ranks.

Two tries followed in quick succession with James Trodden, outstanding once again, bursting through a lacklustre defence before shuffling 40 metres to the try line and Chas Penn finishing off a flowing move by the backs. Both were converted to leave Farnham 3-20 up at half time.

At half time Farnham turned around knowing they would be playing up the slight incline, but that they had their opposition on the rack and that this was an opportunity to secure another bonus point with some hard work.

Farnham did work hard, although without any great fluency or structure and managed to secure the four try bonus point and go on to secure a memorable victory with tries for Chris Penn, Gabe Hills (2), Angus Harrison and the most entertaining of all was Chas Penn’s second try where he ran around the front row sized outside centre who remained flat out on the turf after flapping at fresh air.

Chris Penn kicked an impressive four conversions and five penalties, giving him a total of twenty eight points for the match.

This weeks unfamiliar occurrences were Old Haileyburians crossing the Farnham line and failing to round the ball as the ‘scorer’ got over excited and Angus Harrison not knocking the ball on when trying to score his first try for the 1st XV.

Farnham face Old Emanuel at Wrecclesham this Saturday in a crucial encounter. Old Emanuel nearly beat Farnham in their last away game last season and have picked up a great result this week, so Farnham will need to be at their best to secure the win and maintain the 100% record.

All support warmly received on Saturday at Wrecclesham, kick off is at 15.00.