Standing together as a team Haslemere U16 defeated by Farnham U16 55 - 7 on a wet & cold day

After their successful recent run of games, Haslemere went down 55-7 to a well drilled and efficient Farnham XV in the wind and driving rain on a soggy Sunday lunchtime. Not all was lost - team spirit prevailed where once it was lacking.

From the off the Farnham side cleverly used the wind in the first half to put kicks towards the corners to keep Haslemere pinned back in their own 22 for most of the 1st half . Despite valiant defensive efforts, notably from Chad, Jonny and Gus, Farnham's unrelenting pressure coupled Haslemere's inability to clear their lines took its toll with Farnham running in five tries in the first half to lead 33-0 at half-time. The play was not as one sided as the score sugggestes!

Hugo injured his knee, a deep clean cut, during the first half continuing Haslemere's bad run of losing key players. He was replaced by Fin for the remainder of the game who continued his more determined appraoch despite the miserable conditions.

Despite the scoreline and an early try from Farnham the Haslemere boys didn't let their heads go down and started the second half brightly with the wind behind them and pinned back Farnham in their 22 for a sustained period of attacking. Leading by example, captain James took the fight to Farnham with several driving bullocking runs and was justly rewarded with a try, converted successfully by Sam. Well doen to both players who were unrelenting.

Farnham came back into the game and despite some good defensive work from Haslemere ran in four more tries. Thereafter, there were long delays due to injuries to a couple of the Farnham players.

All in all probably a game that will best be forgotten. Having said that there were still good individual defensive performances from Chad, Jonny, Nathan and Gus. Parents remarked on the evident drive that in the past has been lacking. But for his overall performance, defensive work, and the driving run that lead to a try and great captaincy the man of the match for Haslemere was James. Well deserved.

MoM James

Game commentated on and report kindly written by Neil Niblock