1st XV slip at Guildford

After an “OK” start to the season with few wins but plenty of bonus points, this was the game where if everything could go wrong for the Black and Whites, it did. Taking nothing away from home side Guildford whose young side played with skill going forward and plenty of aggression in defence, Farnham squandered a number of attacking opportunities which, if taken, would have produced a kinder scoreboard than 32-7.
Farnham started the brighter of the two sides attacking down the gentle slope of the Broadwater pitch. Mike Mizzi’s full-on defence in mid-field produced the turnover. Toby Simmons joined the line looking for work and his pace put Guildford on the back foot. However, Guildford effect their own turnover and hoof the ball into Farnham territory and pin the visitors there. Eventually a well worked backs’ move from the set scrum put the Guildford full back over in the corner. The long conversion attempt was good. 7-0
During these exchanges, Farnham talisman Jonny Vincent in injured and replaced by young tyro Finn Basil who goes on to have a good game and earn a couple of podium points primarily for his hard carries.
The game ebbed too and fro with Farnham’s defence halting any Guildford progress. However spilled passes and poorly resourced breakdowns spoiled their chances to score. Guildford are awarded a penalty in from of the posts and stretch the lead 10-0.
Eventually Farnham have good field position and from a line out 10 meters out, keep the ball tight to the fringes and pound forward until Oscar Hendersen popped the ball to Mike Mizzi to power over in front. 10-7. No further score in the half, but at the restart from the Farnham try, skipper Toby Salmon dislocated his thumb challenging for the ball. Finn Sloan came on to shore up a rejigged back line. Earlier, Sam Woodhams came on for an injured Dan Sweeney at prop. Furthermore, Oscar Hendersen picked up a knocked to his knee and limped through the second half.
Salmon’s thumb was reset and strapped up and the whistle blew for the second half. Despite an empty bench, Farnham were not out of it and threatened a number of times.
Guildford kicked deep down the slope and Farnham had no option but to dab the ball down behind their own line. From the resulting goal line drop out, the home side attacked down the left with blistering pace and went over. 15-7. Farnham respond by keeping the ball in hand, but are turned over in their own 22 allowing the Guildford full back to stroll in under the posts. 22-7.
Farnham were now playing catch up and again threatened this time with winger Alex Chalker making an arcing run down the left only to be bundled into touch by the cover defence. Guildford used the boot and the slope well to keep Farnham in their half, but the Farnham “D” did its job. A hard tackle brought the knock on and Farnham the relieving scrum. However, the referee, who was being assessed, pinged the Farnham front row for “foot up before the put in” – something rarely seen in the modern game. Guildford take a quick tap at the free kick and the Farnham defence is unprepared for another sharp attack that sees the full back over for his hattrick. 27-10.
Farnham do not lie down, win the restart and put in the phases. Ben Jones broke the defensive line and Salmon was clear through only to be brought back by the referee for crossing. At Guildford’s next attack, Farnham are pinged for killing the ball at the ruck and Guildford go for the lineout. This is held until the ball is spun wide through the backs for their full back to score his fourth of the afternoon. 32-7. Game over.
Next week, Farnham travel to Tottonians for the rescheduled game. Totts now sit second in the table after a prolonged winning streak. It will be a test for the boys even if all are fit for the fray, but it is one they will not shirk from.
Presidents Podium voted for by the players:
3-Oscar Henderson
2- Finn Basil
1- Finn Sloan