Farnham 26-24 Bec Old Boys

Farnham returned to winning ways on Saturday with a hard-fought win against Bec Old Boys who were relegated into Surrey 2 last year. This was always going to be a tough match, but was a great opportunity for Farnham to reassert themselves in their league campaign.

After some words in the changing room from club President Geoff Bond, Farnham started the game in exactly the opposite way to that which was spoken about conceding a try within the first three minutes, which was converted, leaving the score at 0-7.

At times this season Farnham have not been disciplined or structured enough in their play, however, the forwards and backs combined well this week and in particular in the next twenty minutes to manufacture a couple of penalty chances for Chris Penn, both of which were carried wide by the blustery wind. Farnham continued to apply the pressure to Bec Old Boys. The forwards created some good platforms, from which Chris Penn was able to set up the skipper, Toby Comley for the first Farnham try – yes, it was a good line Toby.

With the conversion knocked over by Chris Penn, the score was tied at 7-7. Farnham then continued to be the more assertive and authoritative team and were able to play with structure and patience into the heavy wind. Another lengthy period of possession allowed Gabe Hills to go over in the right corner for the second Farnham try. It was no surprise when the kick was missed from the touchline.

The score remained 12-7 until half time and Farnham knew that they had the elements behind them and that if they could remain focussed and committed they should see off the threat offered by Bec Old Boys.

As it was, Farnham started the half in the same way as they did the first half and conceded just minutes into the half with a raft of missed tackles. Fortunately, the conversion hit the upright and rebounded, leaving the scores level.

Farnham were then able, once again to assert themselves with their superior work around the breakdown beginning to tell, crafting another chance for Gabe Hills to stroll in through a gap large enough for a prop on one leg to have scored in. The conversion by Chris Penn resulted in the scores being 19-12 at this point.

The topsy turvy nature of this match continued as Farnham contrived to concede another unconverted try, before an interception by Chas Penn allowed him to run fully 70 metres to score the bonus point try for Farnham. The conversion was added and Farnham were now nine points ahead with ten minutes to go – the scores 26-17.

Farnham needed the nine point cushion as they conceded a converted try which brought Bec Old Boys back to within two points but Farnham finished the match the stronger and will be delighted to have secured a five point win.

This performance was better, but Farnham will be conscious of the fact that they should have been out of sight and that Bec Old Boys ought not to have had any bonus points. This team showed a lot of character and some more passion on Saturday and this will stand them in good stead as the face Millbrook in the Junior Vase this week and then look to close the four point gap to the top of the table in the league.

Farnham: Gregory, Richard; Rushton, Morgan; Black, Graeme; Dyer, David; Harrisson, Angus; Penn, Christopher; Comley, Toby (c); Corlett, James; Penn, Chas; Meager, Francis; Hurley, David.

Replacements: Hills, Gabe; Franklin, James; Foster, Thomas.