Haslemere U16 are on fire away against Farnborough and win convincingly 43 - 17

Commentated and written by Richard Hallt:

Haslemere kick off, Farnborough have the ball for several phases until Max VdL steals but the ball is then wrapped up. Haslemere forwards are rucking well Gus steals the ball brilliantly and Haslemere get the ball wide, Hugo and Benj connect well making 35 yards.

Haslemere win the ruck and Mgu scores and Owen converts from the touch line (what a kick) 7-0.

The Haslemere scrum is working well although the lineout and mauling still isn't. Max VdL and James are continually in the thick of it as are EJ and Nino. Hugo, Owen and Johnny take the ball forward again winning a penalty giving Mgu the opportunity to run through a half dozen tackles to score, Owen converts 14-0.

From the off James gets the ball and runs to the ten yard line Rhys (I think he had three Weetabix this morning) gets the ball runs through half a dozen tackles and scores from the half way line 19-0.

From the off Mgu gets the ball and runs to the Farnborough ten yard line. Farnborough take the ball to Haslemere and after several phases get a penalty, they then drive over the Haslemere line to bring the score to 19-5.

Great tackling from Haslemere keeps Farnborough out; it looked like Farnborough would run in a try from the half way but the Haslemere defence held up. Great play from Benj sees Haslemere win the ball and get to ten yards out where they are held back. The Haslemere forwards are regularly spoiling the Farnborough play but Haslemere getting wrapped up in the mauls. Hugo and Johnny get close but are stopped by good defence, then Farnborough get to the Haslemere ten yard line great tackling from Fin and Benj stop a break away try, this is end to end stuff fantastic rugby to watch.

Farnborough are trying hard to get back in the game but Haslemere are defending as well as they are attacking. Eventually, all the forwards and backs link up well to get the ball to Owen who scores, all this helped by a brilliant offload after committing the Farnborough defence, 24-5.

Rhys and Benj connect well to get to the half way from the kick-off. Haslemere win the scrum get the ball to Nathan who gets to within 5 yards. Farnborough win the lineout and its half time.

From the off Farnborough are putting the pressure on but Haslemere keep them out. Benj is in the thick of it he is like a man possessed, Farnborough are pushing really hard but Haslemere are equally determined and try to run the ball out of their 22 but knock on.

Haslemere give away a penalty ten yards out and Farnborough are quick off the mark and run in a try 24-10.

From the off Haslemere steal the ball & get the ball wide to Nathan who scores after running from the half way line, it is fantastic watching the whole team so engaged, 31-10.

Mgu and Gus combine well to get to the Farnborough 22 after the restart. Haslemere give away several free kicks and penalties but manage to keep Farnborough out of their half. Brilliant play from Gus (who by the way is just back from injury) sees Haslemere win the ball from Farnborough they get the ball to Nathan who runs in from the half way (again!) 36-10.

Henry's passing is a lot better still a bit random but he makes up for it with the rest of his game, Nino is now off and EJ and Sam are getting stuck in, they are both right up for it. Chad is running like a back, Rhys, Johnny and Benj are in the thick of it (what is going on?!).

Farnborough are relentless with their pressure but Haslemere win their scrum, get the ball to Owen who runs sixty yards up the pitch passes to Rhys who gets to five yards out passes to James who passes to Johnny who scores then (OMG) Sam converts 43-10.

Farnborough win a penalty, Haslemere not ten which gives Farnborough the chance to run in a try 43-17.

After several more phases the game is over, well played Haslemere this team is looking so much better than last year already! Nathan is named man of the match, fantastic effort. Thank you everyone who spent time playing for Farnborough it made the match a real spectacle to watch (even if there were a few great tackles and play against us), great sportsmanship.

MoM Nathan.
Brilliant effort everyone!