Trojans U16 Girls v Farnham U16 Girls

Our first trip down the M3 to play Trojans this season after they picked up a fixture late on as our planned fixture fell through.

We have always been very closely matched teams with honours typically going the way of the home team! Today was no difference as the two teams took on each other up front with no clear winner. Both teams competed all afternoon at the breakdown and in the scrums. Farnham weathered the initial attacks from Trojans and with strong breaks from Hattie (8), Poly (13) and Amy G (14) we drove from inside our 22 down the length of the pitch and then recycled clinically. Jess Warnes (4) drove multiple times eventually using all her strength to power over to open the scoring.

Trojans worked hard to gain some dominance in the forwards but both packs would not give an inch. Finally Trojans found a way, patient build up sucking Farnham players in field to repel the carries from the the Trojan forwards. Only when our defense had become really narrow would Trojans release some rapid and powerful girls out wide. Two tries for Trojans with one converted meant we went in at 1/2 time 12-5 down.

The second half started as the first half ended. A tough battle up front with Farnham progressing through some strong carries from Jess White (3) and Neve Dawson (8) provided a platform which Darcey (9) and Freya (10) utilised releasing new find this year Sophie (12) who was only denied by the ref for a double movement... slightly harsh at this level but technically correct. Our girls did not switch on, failing to defend the goal line drop out taken cleverly by Trojans who tapped it 5 meters picked it up and released their speed to open the scoring in the second half with a converted try. We came back strong though driving the Trojans pack back and released Amy G who finally had some space to play in, she used all her strength and determination carrying 2 or 3 Trojans girls over the line to get us a deserved try back.

As the game moved into the final quarter Farnham were still in touch 19-10 down. We pressed and pressed as hard as the girls possibly could but Trojans repelled everything. Finally we started taking more risks, offloading too often without accuracy. Sadly this fell into the hands of Trojans and as we lost our structure Trojans again managed to capitalise via serious pace and power out wide. Trojans finished the stronger and managed to to run in 2 further converted tries with the match finishing 33-10.

A great day out for the girls who all put in a huge performance.

POM voted by Trojans - Neve Dawson
Coaches vote - Amy Gelder who really stepped up
But in truth there were too many great performances to mention.

That followed by a good run out for our squad and the positives from today far outweighed any disappointment from the final scoreline.

We look forward to the return fixture at Farnham in 2 weeks time when we will be playing each other in the first round of the National cup.