Great league win for Farnham

. Late entrants into the league, Warlingham replaced Esher Amateur who folded earlier in the season; so this was the first meeting between the sides.

The Hornets were absolutely chomping at the bit, having missed three consecutive weekends of rugby due to freezing weather conditions or cancelling opposition. Captain Tom Foster led the team out and gave the ball to Andy James to kick-off.

The ball arced high into the air, allowing the chasing forwards time to sprint up the field and put immediate pressure on the ball catcher and ruck that formed. It was apparent from the beginning that the opposition had some very large individuals in their pack, and scrummaging would be a key battle area, made even more difficult on the soft ground. Warlingham used their weight advantage to maul strongly too, a recurring theme for the remainder of the game. If Warlingham’s style could be likened to that of a bulldozer, then perhaps you could perceive Farnham’s as that of a sports car.

Once given an opportunity with the ball, set-up by consistent rucking and carrying from the forwards, the backs immediately threatened. A neat chip over by fly-half Andy James gave Farnham a big step forward in territory and from a scrimmage, Farnham launched a blindside attack. Accurate passing released Taryke Van Rensburg on the wing and he scythed past the fullback to score. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, so Farnham were ahead 5-0.

Farnham were the smaller side, but clearly the fitter and better drilled side. The team powered forward from the kick-off and a combination of rapid backs play using the full width of the pitch and solid set-piece from the forwards moved Farnham down the field. A driving maul saw Hooker Dan Ross go over the line, but he was judged to have been held up by the vocal referee. The incident also saw Dan have to come off with a blood injury having suffered with a stud up the nose!

Still in the Warlingham 22, the Hornets turned the screw. A robust run by Paddy Vasey drew in tacklers before he deftly popped the ball to Taryke Van Rensburg, who cut back against the covering defenders and went over to score his second. Connor Rumpson converted to take the score to 12-0.

Again straight from the kick-off, the Hornets were in an attacking mind-set. Prop Lenny Jennings caught the high ball, and the rolled off two tackles, falling forward to set-up the next offensive wave. Scrum half Ollie Brown then dummied from the base of the ruck and snuck through a gap. He then weaved onwards, constantly changing his angle of running, and befuddling the opposition defenders, making 40 yards before shipping the ball out wide to the supporting backline. Taryke Van Rensburg ran on before passing the ball wide to a looping Ollie Brown who then popped back inside to Andy James who looked to have scored. However once again the referee called this back, due to a small scuffle that had broken out outside the 22.

Undeterred the set piece allowed Farnham a breather before they swung the ball out the left side. The ball ricocheted back to winger Sam Greensitt, who sped back toward midfield before throwing a long pass to centre Rob Brown. Brown powered through a gap but was unfortunately tackled, knocking the ball free, just as he approached the line to score.

A long break for a neck injury followed, but the Warlingham player was taken off with an ice-pack and delivered back to the changing rooms in a healthy state. Once again the Farnham backs got the ball and attacked with fury and precision in the midfield. A skilful running line from Connor Rumpson held the defence, allowing Rob Brown to power through again, this time passing the ball out to left winger Sam Greensitt in support. He chipped over the top and the race to the bouncing ball was won by right winger Taryke Van Rensburg who dived over for his hat trick. Rumpson converted to take the core to 19-0.

Some poor discipline allowed Warlingham to establish a foothold in territory and a well-worked maul saw them trundle over for a score, which was converted. Before the break, Connor Rumpson attempted a penalty from 45 yards out but it narrowly missed. Going into half time, the score was 19-7 to Farnham.

A few changes were made before the game kick-off again and Farnham received the ball. The ball was moved away from the chasing forwards and Ralph Philips marauded into the backs, requiring multiple defenders to bring him down. This half was however more scrappy than the first. Poor discipline from Farnham gave the opposition easy territory. Another driving maul from Warlingham, their best asset in the game, gave them another try out wide, making it 19-12.

Back on the attack, Rob Brown broke through a gap and got the team moving ahead again. Andy James received the ball and spun out of two tackles, drawing the full back to him, giving the ball to John Weldon who was able to sprint clear to score. Another conversion from Rumpson took the score to 26-12.

Whenever Warlingham tried to kick for territory, fullback John Weldon caught well and returned the ball with interest, either running himself, or delivering it wide to the supporting wingers.

A doff of the cap should go to the opposition number 8 who carried well throughout, however he was never able to get fully free, as Farnham tacklers swarmed and brought him down. Strong forward play from Matt Kelleher, Tom Foster and Seb Murray all contributed to forcing turnovers and winning the ball back for the Hornets.

Another run from Weldon got Farnham into scoring territory and swift hands along the line saw Connor Rumpson into space where he put the ball down over the white wash. He then converted to take his tally for the day to 13 points. The final score was 33-12 to Farnham.

Overall a great result for the Hornets and a performance they can be proud of. The forwards tackled and rucked well with consistency in the line-out and in the scrum against a considerably bigger pack. The Hornets next game will be against Old Blues at home on the 16th of February.

By Oli Richford