Old Reedonians (aka Reeds) are always a strong side at every age group. A well run club with proper, old school facilities that seem to attract the right type of rugby player and supporter! Their side is littered with Quins players so for a visit to Farnham for this age group, we knew we’d be up against it. We had boys unavailable, others with last minute injury niggles and soon after kick off we lost our new star centre Oscar, followed by Benjy – the signs were ominous.

U16s were over on the “Vets” Pitch 3 while the Academy entertained Dorking on Pitch 2; the main event was a top of the table clash in the women’s league with Farnham Falcons V Chobham RFC on Pitch 1 – so there was plenty of rugby for the large crowd who’d assembled at Wilkinson Way. Coaches Cowman and talisman Best (often reminding us of his unbeaten record this year; It’s an easy game from the sideline Rich!) prepped the side well. Steve Douglas, coach and referee extraordinaire, held the whistle for the day.

The brilliant Farnham pitches have dried out and with the sun shining, we had all the ingredients required for an absolute stonker! The boys didn’t disappoint! Farnham kicked off with the wind at their backs and knew they’d need to make the most of this advantage. The boys’ preference, much to the delight of the considerable crowd was to keep the ball in hand and put muscle to the test. Digression - Farnham really are blessed with the best facilities! Steve Baird and his bevvy of trainers from our onsite gym The Shed, have recently put the U16 squad through their paces. The majority have been on the Learn to Lift programme and it’s paying dividends. Thanks Steve! Back to match report – The boys new found strength gave them the confidence to carry and carry hard. Reeds didn’t know what hit them. Strong carries from Isaac (a rock all day) and a heroic performance from Jack put Reeds on the back foot. Despite a strong defensive game they found themselves locked in their 22 and were no answer to the try burglar that is Josh Warner, who put in a real shift in his first outing at hooker 5-0.

There was very little to choose between the two teams. Reeds appeared to have the advantage in the scrum however in the other facets of the game – it was all Farnham. Despite challenges retaining the ball our fitness told and when we did lose it – we worked hard to wrestle it back – normally in the shape of pack leader Sam Baker snaffling turnover ball. And with possession came territory. With a new found skillset from his Brunel half term camp (did anyone know the author had been there last week?) Oskar Parker made a strong break through the middle. Support came fast from the horrible 6/7 duo Hamish & Carson and further carries deep into Reeds 22 which allowed Hamish to go over - 12-0.

Reeds weren’t prepared to lie down and continued to make ground. They liked their left winger who was strong and fast. Pitted against our own firecracker Eddie – we had a competition on our hands! Reeds 11 was winning the competition at half time 0-1, he made a break out of the 22 and rounded Eddie (more on that later) and was gone only for our very own Captain Fantastic, Fin Hills, to chop him down on half way and win the lineout. The half finished with the game in the balance at 12-0.

There are lots of rewarding things about coaching this group. Those without a game trained on the adjacent overflow area and every one of them came to join the supporters on the sideline. The reason? This is a squad, not a team. All of those boys have featured in the A team and B team fixtures this year, a testament to the strength and togetherness of this group. Our Head Coach Gav needs to take most of the credit for this.

Half time messages from the coaches were – 1) Retain the ball – carry in 2 hands; Reeds were targeting the ball in the tackle. 2) Line speed in defence. 3) Eddie – make their flashy winger’s life really unpleasant “He is very fast, but I’ll try!” was the response! Given our “carry hard” strategy, addressing point 1 nor playing in to the wind in the second half was really going to work against us. Carrying the mantel for point 2 was Sam Baker. Soon after the kick off a long clearance kick, deep into Reeds 22, the ball bobbled awkwardly on the hard ground. The 15 looked up to see Sam 1st on the scene, proceeded to underestimate his long reach and use his footwork to get him out of trouble. Sam tackled, bounced and jackaled – penalty Farnham. Cowman was on hand with a quick tap and over he went. Just desserts for his man of the match performance.

Farnham were on the ascendancy, and the kick chase intensity was paying dividends. Reeds continued to attack hoping their 11 would maintain his winning record – sadly not. Eddie stepped up and caused havoc with counter attack and defence. I lost count – but it probably ended 5-1 or 6-1 in Eddies’ favour #obvs! Reeds attacking intent continued to be thwarted and before long we were back in the green zone. A string of passing & carrying put Will Houghton over in the corner. To Reeds’ credit they didn’t give up and despite some heroic defence by Josh Warner’s face they went over with a try of their own. Final Score – 26-5

There were lots of notable performances in this game, too many to mention. A couple of extras worthy of call out – Fin Best with another solid performance at 10 and Jaspar marshalling and counter attacking from 15 on a very difficult day! Final mention much go to the Cowman’s “Triple Crown” – Chris for Coaching. Tam for “on the day” medical. Sam for Man of the match which means you get the dubious honour of washing the match kit! A team performance, led by Team Cowman!