Sat 28 Sep 2024, 15:00
Shire Hall 24 Farnham Royal 19
It had been a few years since Shire last faced Farnham Royal in a league match. On that day, we were well and truly hammered! Farnham turned up with a full squad and a raft of supporters whereas Shire could only muster the basic 15 and just two supporters! Shire were forced to make 7 changes from the team that played Aldermaston 2 weeks earlier, seeing the return of Alex Webb, Gwyn Robins and Laurie Moss and also the restart of Greg Poet’s career. Farnham were keen to get the scoreboard ticking early and in the first minute they attempted a long-range penalty which drifted wide. In fact, in the first 10 minutes, they attempted two drop goals and another penalty which fortunately for Shire all were unsuccessful. Attacking options were severely limited for Shire and they were unable to keep hold of the ball to create something positive. The reality was that Farnham Royal had the ball for most of the time and it was only Shire’s outstanding defensive set up that kept them at bay. Wave after wave of attacks were foiled by Shire and it took over 35 minutes for Farnham to open the scoring when the Shire defensive line was finally breached. The conversion drifted wide, and half time came soon after. This was a poor half for Shire where they created virtually nothing and could be thankful that they were only one score behind.
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 0 Farnham Royal 5
A more determined Shire started the second half and at last they got into their stride and produced some decent attacking plays. The lineout was now starting to function well, and it was from a good take by Gwyn Robins that the ball was quickly transferred to the back of the diving maul which concluded with a trademark Neil Evans try from all of 2 yards! This seemed to spur Shire on and there were many good carries from Max Davies, Ollie Homan-Green and Matt Margot in particular. An incisive kick ahead by Rhys Stewart saw the ball bounce kindly and good recycling of the ball saw Gwyn Robins go over to put Shire in the lead. A successful conversion from Rhys gave Shire a 7 point lead. The previously dominant Farnham Royal team were now on the back foot as Shire were for most of the first half and with 10 minutes remaining, a flying Arun Luis crossed wide on the left to further increase Shire’s lead. No conversion for Rhys but now Shire were chasing a try bonus point Farnham’s set scrum had given Shire problems all match – a scenario which Shire had not met for years. Good work at base of a retreating scrum by both Matt Margot and Sam Watkins helped to steady the ship.
Further good runs by Matt Margot and Laurie Moss put Shire well in the ascendency and with 5 minutes remaining, Farnham’s defence was once again stretched for Dave Tridgell to cross the line. The try was converted by Rhys and it looked like the result was settled. Farnham had other ideas. Shire were now down to 14 men as Alex Webb was not allowed by the referee to stay on the pitch after a clash with Neil Evans’ arm and this one man advantage was exploited by Farnham with a converted try to reduce the deficit with 2 minutes remaining. Rhys’ long restart was run back straight away and with Shire’s defence all over the place and one or two of the veterans completely tired out, Farnham went over again with virtually the last play of the game. Rhys’ restart this time was more favourable for Shire and they did in fact regain possession. It was time to stick the ball up the jumpers and see out time which was managed.
Given the nature of the first half, Shire can be well pleased with their performance in the second half. A try bonus point gave us our first win of the season in the new league and moved us up to 5th in the league. Farnham Royal deservedly got a losing bonus point – their first half performance warranted that!
Final Score: Shire Hall 24 Farnham Royal 19
Tries: Neil Evans, Gwyn Robins, Arun Luis, Dave Tridgell
Conversions: Rhys Stewart (2)
MOTM: Matt Margot – created many chances with his elusive running
DOTD: Laurie Moss – no real reason except it was his birthday this week!!
