Farnham U18 16 - 17 Bracknell Academy U18

The scoreline would suggests this was a thrilling battle between two well matched sides, a real nail biter, a great advert for the game, but it was in fact a complete non-event!

The game will be remembered, but not for the rugby.

The ball was in play for limited periods, the shrill blast of the whistle was only broken by the scratching of heads as the referee became the most visible person on the paddock. The boys on both sides worked hard, and cannot be faulted, when allowed they played with intensity, power and passion.

Bracknell took an early lead when Dan Roux drove over from short range, following a break around the fringes by Jake Findley. Jake converted.

A well struck penalty from the Farnham 13 reduced the arrears and Bracknell led 3-7 at half time.

Bracknell made 9 changes, and some strong running from defence in to a stiff breeze, was perhaps the highlight of the opening exchanges in the second half. A well engineered Farnham try following series of penalties (read in to that what you will), gave Farnham 10-7 lead.

Bracknell replied almost immediately following a break down the blindside of a scrum and Tom Scott forced his way over from the resultant breakdown. The conversion was missed, but Bracknell led 10-12.

Farnham responded with two well engineered penalties (read in to that what you will), to lead 16-12. To be absolutely fair, the Farnham 13 had a cultured boot, in a difficult cross wind, and Farnham's prodigal son, Jonny Wilkinson would have been impressed.

Again Bracknell battled back, and again scored from short range when Josh Knight crashed over to complete the scoring and secure 16-17 victory.

The game will not be remembered for its rugby, but there were some other non-rugby highlights.

In particular, Grant Coates using 'pre-tape' spray as hair gel, and his exit midway through the second half as he (how do I put this) had a 'Bat in the Belfrey', 'the cigar was at the fat and lips', or perhaps he had to 'drop the kids off at the pool'...

Patrick Fitzgerald seemed to lack energy in his legs, he claimed he was under the weather, but according to Jack, Patrick had had a heavy lifting session on Saturday night..! Phil Harrington also had a 'shocking' experience on Saturday night, ask him to explain and Ally Walton decided the post match dress code was a David Beckham style sarong, with odd socks, a sight to behold and now in full colour on the Bracknell Academy Facebook page.

Finally, a big thanks to Farnham for their hospitality, it's always a pleasure visiting a well organised and welcoming rugby club.