What a difference a week makes. Last week concerns about it being too hot to this week looking like drowned rats. An afternoon slot on Pitch 1, a crowd relieved to have the cover of the balcony and a team eager to build on last weeks season opener.
Warm up was a cold, wet affair but again this group of girls ignored the conditions and got on with it. We had selected an experienced pack, but handed debuts to 5 girls in the backs. With pace to burn and a desire to show the team the skills they bring it was unfortunately not a day for our back 3 to show their skill set but they all performed amazingly well, organised themselves as requested and whenever they were called in to action did exactly what was required.
However the match began in torrential rain and a bar of soap instead of a ball. The forwards took it on themselves to create continuity and go forward. Intensity, Support and pressure meant from the outset Farnham dominated the breakdowns and with inevitable knock ons the pack exerted pressure in the scrum. With clean, quick ball provided by the forwards Freya Mason began controlling the game bringing the new centre combinations into the action, building confidence with every carry.
The forwards continued to control the breakdown and with the line speed improving and tackles making life very difficult for Worthing the scoreboard started to head in our favour. Just as the forwards had controlled things the rain stopped and the backs began to get more ball. Worthing defended resolutely but Farnham found ways to move the ball, retain possession and ultimately kept the scoreboard ticking.
Coaches could not have been more proud of the girls who at times subbed on for Worthing to ensure a 15 a-side game could be played the whole match. TREDS all over the place.
PoM: Freya Mason (Scrum Half)
Coaches Award: Issie Prosser (Outside Centre) 3 tries
Special Mentions: Poppy Filer (Tight Head) 4 tries and won the scrum battle for Farnham, Sofie Duckworth (Inside Centre) 2 tries on debut, Orla Warren (Full Back) 1 try on debut