Poor start overshadows improving Hornets team

Perhaps chosing the wrong mode of transport, one of the front row players arrived late to the game having been marooned on the side of the A3.

With no front row but with many backs on the pitch Wellingtonians got the match underway. The Hornets did not have their heads in the game to begin with and made a series of errors as things began.

A combination of lacklustre tackling, miscommunication and bad luck on a few deflected kicks led to the opposition scoring three early tries. The Hornets needed to organise and increase their intensity if they were to keep the score line respectable.

A crunching tackle from Captain Ollie Richford galvanised the side and the game swung to Farnham’s favour. Robust carries from Craig Macey and James franklin put OW on the back foot. The ball moved to the backline and counter-attacking runs from Mark Baines and Jack Miller showed there were gaps to exploit in the OW defence.

Henry Milas made a break through the line, weaving like a drunk on a bicycle, before he was tackled short of the line. The ball was then passed along the line to the corner where Rob Brown powered over the white-wash just before half time.

The last thing to occur before the break was a penalty awarded to Old Wellingtonians. With no time left on the clock, the fly half audaciously went for a drop goal from 40 yards away, and to his credit scored it. This took the score to 20-5 to the home side.

The second half started as the first did with Farnham conceding a soft try. Recent pneumonia survivor Ross McKay carried well, leading to another Farnham recovery. The sole second half try came from Craig Macey after a prolonged period of pressure from the visitors.

Using their superior size and weight Farnham mauled well all game. This was perfectly complemented by strong line-out work by hooker Dan Ross and jumpers Greg Munghall and Seb Murray.

A darting break away from scrum half Ollie Brown set-up Jack Miller for a one-on-one with the opposition fullback, however a good tackle onto the touchline prevented a try. Flight Lieutenant Scarse and Ollie Richford combined for a try saving tackle at the end of the game, but a loose ball bounced to the opposition to give them a try to finish the game. The final score was 32-10.

Farnham were taught a lesson in being clinical and finishing by an OW team full of confidence. That said, a lot of positives should be taken from the game and further games should help the team grow together. The next league match is at Monkton Lane against London Irish Nomads on the 20th of October.

By Oli Richford