A loss in the opener, but great team spirit for FRUFC U14A at Chobham

In the opening game of the 2020 Waterfall Cup Farnham A were away to Chobham. In a fiercely contested match Farnham went down 55-12, a result that doesn't reflect the boys effort right up to the final whistle.

On a heavily sloping pitch, bare of any grass, no line markings and with a strong cross wind conditions were second rate - the boys are lucky with our home facilities! Farnham spent the first 15 minutes pinned in our own half and conceded 3 quick tries but credit to the team they contested possession and kept in the game. It was good to see Casper back in the fold and hustling behind the rucks. Farnham ball was limited in the first half but a period of pressure and territory led to a turnover, hack-through, competitive chase down and try for man of the match Rufus Doran.

The second half belonged to Farnham. The boys came back after the turn around and showed huge character to put points on the board. Isaac carried well repeatedly and gained ground, Henry was visible and made a positive impact. Farnham upped the tackle ferocity with big hits going in from Sam B and Finn to put Chobham players on their backs! This rallied the team as a whole and as a team of players playing for each other it was the strongest showing of solidarity all season.

With ball in hand we looked dangerous. Had a few more passes gone to hand and bounces from kicks falling the other way there would have been more points on the board. But we never dwell on what might have been.

Rufus' kicking out of hand was strong all day and made the Chobham players turn to chase back. A kick-pass late in the game almost came good for Nathan to finish but good Chobham defence kept him out. The adventurous play was great to see.

The team can hold their heads high, bring on Round 2.