Pipped at the post in thrilling opener

Farnham pipped in thrilling opener
Farnham Rugby opened their season with a trip to London Irish Amateur (LIA). The RFU have rejigged the leagues so Farnham, still playing at Level 6, now play a raft of clubs they have never faced in league competition before. It should make for a thrilling season, particularly if the games are anything like this end-to-end points-fest in which the Black and Whites came a close second.
The Farnham team included a few new faces with debuts handed to Harry Arkley, Joe Brockman, Matthew Rich and Toby Simmonds, the latter three coming through the Academy. They were mixed in with some familiar faces on a beautiful sunny day for a game of running rugby on LIA’s immaculate Sunbury ground
Farnham kicked off and applied early pressure gaining possession and stringing together some strong phases. Toby Salmon, playing at fly half, found a gap between two LIA forwards, broke the defensive line and offloaded to Max Williams who strode in for an early Farnham score. 7-0. However, LIA were quick to react with their big forwards gaining momentum. They eventually broke through to score under the posts and tie the game at 7-7.
Farnham were eager to bounce back and did so when Salmon intercepted a long pass from the LIA 10 and sprinted 60 metres to go in under the posts – a trademark score. 14-7. Farnham continued the play in the right areas and pinned LIA into the corner. They over threw their lineout and Jemi Akin-Olugbade was quick to react and scored in the corner. Salmon was accurate with the long range conversion. 21-7.
LIA responded with some hard carries and sharp interplay between their backs that delivered back-to-back tries to make it 21-21 with barely a quarter of the game gone. After some cut and thrust, LIA were in Farnham’s half where they won a long range penalty that was well converted. 24-21.
However just before half time, Farnham battered into the LIA 22 and then went to the corner with a penalty. The forwards got the drive going to the line but were halted illegally. Tom Dullage took a quick tap but was taken down by an LIA player who had made no attempt to get on side. He received a yellow card and the penalty try was awarded. The whistle blew for half time, and the Black and Whites had their noses in front 24-28.
LIA restarted the match and their physical forwards dominated to put them deep in Farnham’s 22. A pushover try from a five meter scrum put them back in the lead. 31-28. Farnham responded well with multiple phases and deft kicks to gain position. After a serious of strong carries, Farnham were a few yards short from where Olugbade muscled his way over in the corner for his second. Another long range conversion by Salmon and Farnham nudged ahead 31-35.
LIA’s dominance at the scrummage meant the lead was short lived as once again LIA forwards powered over from close range. The conversation was missed and there was one point in it. 36-35.
Farnham needed their senior players to step up and Jonny Vincent was the man to do it. After breaking the line, Vincent stepped the full back and took two LIA players with him over the line close to the posts. The conversion was good and the Black and Whites had a 36-42 lead with ten minutes to play.
Unfortunately, Farnham were unable to clear their lines from the restart and after a series of dominant scrums, LIA were over again to lead 43-42. Into the final minutes and LIA kept hold of the ball from the restart and scored with the final play of the game. The conversation was missed. The final score was 48-42 and Farnham came home with just two league bonus points.
A tough loss for this young team with lessons that need to be learned. A special mention goes to Reece Stennett who, alongside the young lads on debut, made his his 100th appearance for 1st XV. This great clubman had another solid game.
Next Saturday 9th Sept Farnham welcome Winchester, a club they have not faced at this level but against whom had close tussles in lower leagues in the past. After the first round, Winchester top the league on points difference having demolished Wimborne by 38-5. It is all set up for another try fest as the Black and Whites look to bounce back. Kick off 3.00pm. During and after the game, the club will be screening Rugby World Cup games culminating in the England v Argentina match, KO 8.00pm. All from the local community are welcome.

Presidents Podium, voted for by the players,
Jonny Vincent- 3
Toby Salmon- 2
Reece Stennett- 1