Cup success for fabulous Falcons Academy!

Drier overhead conditions - with the sun making a long overdue appearance - "welcomed" the Falcons Academy and Reading & Maidenhead (Raiders) to Monkton Lane for the biggest game of the season for both sides. The pitch was unsurprisingly soft, but very playable. An incredibly healthy crowd gathered to cheer on both teams as they battled it out in the final of the Hampshire/Oxfordshire/Berskshire (HOB) County Cup.

It was the Raiders who made the more assured start with countless phases of possession. However, during that initial opening salvo they failed to land a telling blow on the Falcons Academy - some stout defensive work ensured very little territory was gained by the visitors. In fact it was the home side who displayed greater efficiency scoring with their first real spell of possession. Tegan fed Mimi who darted over - the latter clearly benefiting from her hearty breakfast.

In the 11th minute the home side were pinged by the referee - both he and his two Young Match Officials were outstanding throughout. The attempted kick to touch was gathered on the full by Freya on the Raiders 10-metre line by the right touchline. She pinned her ears back, took off and dotted down for a fine individual try. Tegan ably converted to give the Falcons Academy a 12-0 lead. The home side were beginning to gain a stranglehold over the visitors and further reward duly followed. A well-worked set piece move saw Izzy N-S pick up at the back of the scrum; accuracy and speed of distribution resulting in Emily dotting down by the posts - giving Phoebe the chance to add the extras. Conversion duly slotted - the lead was 19.

After a lengthy period that saw chances at both ends and a couple of stoppages for injuries, Falcons Academy were awarded a penalty just outside the Raiders' 22. A quick tap saw the ball fizz through various hands with Hattie providing the finishing touches. Phoebe rattled the posts with the conversion attempt. The 24-0 scoreline remained up to the half-time whistle. A satisfying scoreline after a half in which both sides displayed a physicality and skills that the occasion merited.

Unsurprisingly, the Raiders started the 2nd half in determined fashion - laying siege to the home side's 22. If they were to get back into the final, the next score was going to be crucial. Solid home defense once again repelled the away side. Izzy N-S was to get her reward for a commanding performance at number 8 - powering over after being set free by Ella. Despite the missed conversion, the Falcons Academy now enjoyed a 29-point cushion. However, they weren't done . . . by a long stretch.

Approaching the 10-minute point of the 2nd half, the girls produced a try so mesmerising that I am afraid Rob Harris and I struggled to suss out all who were involved. We reckon Hattie, Honor and Mimi were complicit in producing some truly stunning running rugby - Eva tip-toed her way through the despairing tacklers. The cheers were loud and well-deserved. Brilliant stuff! Tegan added the cherry on top - her conversion leading to a 36-0 scoreline.

Bumps and knocks were beginning to take effect, but the team of first aiders ably dealt with all the girls were throwing their way. Huge kudos to the parents who undertake this most vital of roles. Massive credit also to the Raiders who kept plugging away and were rightly rewarded with their 1st try midway through the 2nd half.

The home side were determined to ensure this was merely a blip and following another quick tap penalty, Ella released Lucy who crashed over the line for her first try of the season. You could see what it meant to the rest of the team with mass celebrations. Phoebe took care of the conversion; 43-5 with a little over 10 minutes to go. Yet again, the Raiders showed a true spirit and finished off a lovely move to grab their second try of the game.

With full-time approaching and the score sat at 43-10 to the Falcons Academy, the game was missing only one thing - a try from the Ella Express. The last play of the game duly took care of this and as she drew closer to the try-line the cheers from the packed balcony grew louder. Tegan slotted the conversion; the referee brought proceedings to a halt; final score of 50-10 to Falcons Academy. Cue scenes!!

A quick dousing with some pink fizz was followed the Falcons Academy skipper, Tegan, stepping forward and receiving the winners' trophy from Tilly Poland (England U18 last season - having played for Farnham through all of the age groups). It was smashing to see a couple of the players currently missing through injury, involved in the celebrations - the spirit and camaraderie within this exceptional group make them a rather special bunch.

Many photos were taken in the aftermath and these will doubtless form part of a lifelong memory when they all think back to Sunday 3rd March 2024. Likewise, the Falcons Academy will hopefully remember the post-match meal they shared with their opponents. Sat together in the specially decorated Snug - resplendent with black and white balloons. It looked fantastic! There was a double celebration for Chelsey - not only was her 17th birthday recognised, but the Raiders awarded her their player of the match. Well done Wayne (Chelsey's dad) on missing both announcements!!

One sour note on the days proceedings was the injury to Maisha, but thankfully the trip to A&E did not reveal any broken bones - mend well Maisha and get back to lining up alongside your fellow 2023-2024 HOB County Cup champions - the spirited, fun-loving, free-flowing Farnham Falcons Academy!