Guildford Development XV 41 - 13 Farnham 2s / 3s

Farnham were always going to be up against it, undeterred though, Farnham started brightly, carrying strongly and looking to move the ball at every opportunity. Guildford defended well and Farnham struggled to make headway but eventually they broke through. On three occasions Farnham came close to crossing only to be driven back from the line. Guildford then created a turn over and Farnham were forced to defend all the way back to their own try line.

With the visitors unable to secure their own ball from lineout or scrum, Guildford had possession for long passages of the game and although Farnham defended well, they were unable to contain Guildford and conceded two quick fire tries. Farnham continued to press forcing Guildford to concede penalty after penalty and although pushing hard for the try, the Hornets failed to make headway and were eventually awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Farnham took the easy points on offer, 10-3. It took another ten minutes before Guildford scored another try but more soon followed. With only two of the five tries converted, the score at half time was 29-3.

Farnham emphasised the positive work they had done in the first half and were determined to come out fighting in the second half. But with Farnham picking up a number of injuries in the game they were grateful to receive a Guildford player to maintain a full set.

Although Guildford carried on where they left off, Farnham upped their defence and forced a number of errors that disrupted the opposition. Looking to use their own ball effectively, Farnham resorted to a tighter game biding their time until an opening appeared. But as soon as Farnham tried to get through, a Guildford player would appear to stop the move.

It took 20 minutes, but eventually the defence was broken and Guildford got around a tiring back line to score out wide. Only five minutes later Guildford were again over the line this time under the posts and with a simple conversion the lead was extended to 41-3.

Guildford were full of confidence and stretching Farnham every which way but Farnham have a steely determination about them. Pride and passion and two words that are often bandied about but this team showed both of these characteristics in the last fifteen minutes. Determined to get a consolation try for all their efforts they ended up getting two when first the sprightly Karl Brown crossed over after hard work from the forwards. Farnham then crossed with the last play of the game when they won a lineout on the opposition 22m and gave the backs clean ball, great running line and quick hands sent Dom Oliff clear to the line but with two Guildford chasers closing him down he unselfishly passed to John Weldon tracking behind to score unopposed. With both conversions missed the final score stood at 41-13.

This team epitomised the way Farnham play their rugby with a never say die attitude and a willingness to push themselves for their team mates. Characteristics that will also serve them well for the season ahead. Next weekend both the 2s and 3s return to their league programmes with the Hornets away to Old Wimbledonians 2s and the Warriors facing Racal Decca 1s at home. Both kick off at 2pm.