Old Ruts U14bs vs Farnham U14bs

On a sunny morning in Mitchum, Farnham U14b's returned to Old Ruts for the second time within a month. This time it was for the semi final of the cup. From the start of the game both sides lined up with 14 a side due to injuries within the Farnham ranks, but soon Farnham were playing a man down against a full strength Old Ruts team

The initial phase of the game saw flowing end to end rugby as both team thrust and then counter thrust against two solid defences. Excellent counter rucking from Finbarr Wormwell, tackling from Mattie Hodson and Cameron Bellenger saw Farnham wrestle the initiative. Strong running by Oliver Wingfield, Hari Tote, and Jake Kimberly fast, accurate passing by the back line and some excellent takes of a high ball by Nye Johnson on the wing started to stretch the Old Ruts defence

With fast ball from Tom Adams at the breakdown the Farnham backs dragged the Old Ruts defence across the field. Following excellent rucking by the forwards the ball moved quickly back across the pitch allowing Jake Kimberley to power over for his first try. The try itself was a superb example of how the efforts of the team as a whole drew in the defence and accurate passing with strong running unlocked it

Old Ruts 0 Farnham 5

Following the restart Old Ruts were once again back on the front foot. This led to a period of excellent Farnham defensive tackles, forward turn overs and a fine display of defensive kicking from Barnaby Swift . Farnham's second try was a superb flowing team effort moving the ball with speed and pace from side to side. Eventually the ball came to Oliver Wingfield who powered over close to the posts for a try. The try was successful converted by Ewan McLeod to extend the Farnham lead

Old Ruts 0 Farnham 12

With the tries was coming a growing confidence and some excellent running rugby from Farnham. Movement of the ball was fast, rucks won against the head, scrummaging pushing back consistently a much heavier pack, even well controlled driving mauls. So it was not a surprise when Jake Kimberley drove over again for a second time to extend the Farnham lead

Old Ruts 0 Farnham 17

However, as the half was closing the Old Ruts no 8 who was growing into the game and causing the defence problems, finally broke clear off the back of a scrummage within the Farnham 22 and drove over in the corner for a deserved try

HT: Old Ruts 5 Farnham 17

The second half saw Old Ruts change tactics slightly using more short drives from their large pack. The Farnham defence was solid although was slowly pressed back into their own 22. At one point Ewan McLeod tacked an Old Ruts forward just short of the Farnham line under their own posts. There followed a monumental effort from the Farnham forwards managing to turn over the ball from the resulting ruck before an excellent clearing kick by Barnaby Swift relieved the pressure.

Although Farnham still attempted to press forward, the pressure and effort they were expending playing a man down was starting to tell with a few unforced handling errors. Old Ruts second try again came from a scrummage deep within the Farnham 22 following a collapsed Maul. With a fast strike they managed to break the Farnham back line to reduce the deficit

Old Ruts 10 Farnham 17

Even with the mounting pressure Farnham did not stop showing ambition with the ball. Following a Farnham Line out on Half Way, the Farnham backs again moved the ball quickly down the line. Barnaby Swift showed an excellent turn of acceleration to break clear of the defence and score in the corner for Farnham’s 4th try

Old Ruts 10 Farnham 22

The final 10 minutes of the match saw some heavy tackling off the scrummage from Cameron Bellinger to stop the oppositions No 8 causing further damage. However, for a short period a number of decisions seemed to go against the team. This led to Old Ruts advancing swiftly up the field from their own half to eventually get a line out on the Farnham 5 metre line. From the subsequent line out Old Ruts power in under the posts to narrow then lead

Old Ruts 17 Farnham 22

The last few minutes saw heroic defence from a tiring Farnham side, but they managed to hold out for a well deserved win. The game was played in a great spirit by both sides who liked to play open rugby which was a pleasure to watch

This weeks Podium points awarded by coach Alistair Mylchreest were:

• 1 point: Barnaby Swift who was all over the park, kicked very well to turn defence into attack and scored a great try

• 2 points: Oliver Wingfield who had a great game as captain with superb tackling and strong running with the ball

• 3 points: Cameron Bellenger for a series of turnovers and great defence against a dangerous Old Ruts no 8

This was most definitely the finest team display this year. Keep it up into the Final...