Off the back of the Red Roses win in WRWC2025 yesterday everybody was up for a match. Winchester could only field 13 so we played 13 a-side to get the 'Game on'. Dropping a forward and a back to match meant we had a mighty bench that would make a big difference as the game progressed.

Opening exchanges were early season scrappy with knock ons and trying to win on every carry. As the game started to settle and Farnham built phases, the strength of Farnham's ball carriers meant Winchester were forced into a period of defending their try line. Several attempts to clear saw the next wave of Farnham attacks which were repelled. Finally Farnham won a lineout on the 5m. All in with a catch and drive set up a Maul which hooker Emma F took control of and dropped over for the opening score (very Red Roses esq...).

A great start was greeted with 6 fresh sets of legs and some mighty power. Playing our No8 in the centre channel as we had to drop numbers in the pack was not going to go well for a Winchester centre pairing who then had to contend with an endless battery of direct running. The scoreboard started to move with 4 tries from Hattie G, Jess White, Sophie D and Sophie C, with one converted by a welcome return for Bea N-S. This allowed Farnham to take a well deserved half time lead 0-27.

Farnham rang the changes again at half time to bring rested players back on to keep up the pressure. The girls worked tirelessly and further tries from Hattie G, Bea N-S, Sophie D, Amy G and Orla along with a further 3 conversions for Bea left Farnham satisfied with a good outing. The only blemish on a successful defensive effort was a well worked try by Winchester moving the ball at pace to the wing and speedy recycling allowed the Winchester scorer an opportunistic dive for the line.

Player of the match voted by Winchester - Sophie Cook
Coaches special mentions for the new halfback pairing of Freya Mason and Ettie Hardcastle