The 1st XV’s debut game in London 1 (South) - the 6th tier of English rugby - kicked off against Cobham at Monkton Lane in perfect conditions with just a slight swirling breeze at Farnham’s back. Farnham had not played Cobham in a league match for 20 years. Cobham had finished fifth in this division when the season was last played. A good start by Farnham would set the tone for the season and the team delivered.
Multi-phase rugby and dominance in the scrums kept the visitors penned in their own half for the first ten minutes. A penalty for Farnham and fly-half Toby Salmon opted for the corner. The catch and drive from the line out inched agonisingly forward - but the recurring issue of players getting isolated turned the effort into a penalty for Cobham who cleared their lines through the boot of their full back Farelly.
The game was starting to get a bit spicey at the breakdown requiring the referee to call the captains together for the first pep talk of the game. Then we saw the first use of one of many new laws designed to open up the game. Farnham dropped the ball going forward but at the resulting scrum, Farnham drove the heavier Cobham pack back. The front row of Marco Azevedo, Jules Joris and debutant Ben Edward enjoyed the fruits of their pre-season hard work and well tuned technique. This led to Cobham dotting down in the dead ball area which now results in a drop out from under the posts returning the ball in open play to the attacking side.
Mike Mizzi and Ben Brown on the Farnham flanks enjoyed a period of dominance at the ruck with the experienced Comley steering the ship. Turnover, quick hands and Cobham were offside just inside their own half. With breeze swirling Toby Salmon just pulled the kick wide. Almost immediately Farnham conceded a penalty but some back chat from the Cobham scrum-half Saunders reversed the decision and Tim Salmon slotted the kick to open up Farnham’s account for the season 3-0.
Farnham were on top dominating the scrums and the driving mauls but after a series of powerful pick and drives, perhaps one or two too many, the ball was turned over and Cobham released their pacey left winger Macdonald who, despite the desperate chasing from Salmon and Chalker, touched down by the Farnham corner flag. Farelly completed the score 3-7.
With half time approaching Farnham drove again and again into the Cobham half. Centres Michael Salmon and Alex Chalker chased every attack down like victims after a mugger. Exciting stuff that brought rewards with two penalties for Toby Salmon in the last five minutes before the interval. 9-7.
The second half proved to be a good old-fashioned battle with first one side dominating and then the other playing their hand. Cobham attacked and at this level tackles win matches. If they are missed, space is available. The Farnham defence was breached and any one of three Cobham players could have walked over for the try. Macdonald dotted down and a tremendous kick from Farelly gave Cobham a slender lead 9-14.
Farnham would not lie down and drove and drove at the visitors line – Cobham conceded penalty after penalty. This referee deemed the yellow card was not necessary when others would have produced it. For the last fifteen minutes Cobham were hanging on. Time after time the Farnham pack drove for the line, another penalty, another scrum and drive repelled. Frustrating for both players and spectators. The large crowd of the Farnham Faithful willed their boys on, but it was not to be. 14-9 the final score. Close - but no cigar! Nevertheless, an enthralling and encouraging return to rugby.
The club had heralded the return the previous day with a special luncheon at the clubhouse with guest speaker Simon Shaw who entertained 150 diners with tales of his playing days with the British and Irish Lions, England and Wasps. Earlier, he and the other special guest, Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU officially opened “The Shed” – a fully kitted out gym and rehab facility for playing and non-playing members. Bill also spoke during the lunch telling all that English rugby was in good shape post-pandemic and praising Farnham as his ideal of a community rugby club. The lunch also witnessed the presentation to the Chairman Geoff Robins of a portrait in recognition of his 25 years as Chairman and his brilliant work moving the club from Wrecclesham to its current fabulous facilities at Monkton Lane. Club superstar Jonny Wilkinson contributed his own special tribute over a video link.