This past Saturday we saw the Falcons produce the first ever women’s second team for Farnham with many new players. We hosted Barnes to a preseason friendly to get us ready for hopefully a full and exciting season ahead.
Barnes showed up with 12 players so both teams agreed to play 12 aside. The Falcons didn’t let this bother and them adjusted as quickly.
As soon as it hit 14:30 we were ready to kick off. With the first few tackles in and competition in the rucks our nerves were gone, and we were in for a close and exciting match. After a tense first 15 minutes the Falcons fullback, Jade McClune made a break and scored her very first try on her debut. From then on, the rest of the first half went back and forth with a few more tries from both teams. As the first half came to an end Barnes II were only 1 try ahead, Falcons knew they were still in the game.
With a first half to be proud of from the new women’s team the second half kicked off. Once again both teams started this half strongly. After a while both teams started to tire but Barnes took advantage and scored. The Falcons regrouped and had some amazing defence causing Barnes to make a few mistakes which created a turnover and a pass to Ella Wilson enabled a break, beating a good 3 or 4 defenders scoring under the posts. As the game came to a close the score ended at 20-43 to Barnes.
Even though the loss, it was still a joyous day for everyone, especially the Falcons. Not just rugby being back full-time (hopefully for good) but also making history for the club. Hopefully this match will be the first of many, with plenty of lessons we can take away and improve upon. To all 7 debuts, welcome to the Falcon family.