Cranleigh  Seconds v Farnham  Third XV  7/12/24  Result 31-12 

Harlequin Amateurs could not raise a team to play the league game at Wildwood Lane, so they conceded the points.

So, after a  super VP and Club Lunch, a game against Farnham was arranged on the Simon Cambell ground. Driving rain and wind conditions were not good for an open rugby game. 

Cranleigh Seconds had a side of seasoned club players who produced a most entertaining game against a very decent Farnham side.

Cranleigh started well, attacking Farnham and putting them under pressure. They were rewarded with a break made by James Moore, who found Mikey Rosser to sprint to the line way out.

Cranleigh forwards charged up the pitch on any occasion and provided good ball for  Mickey Artlet to get the backs going. After 20 minutes, Farnham pushed Cranleigh back, and their number eight broke the defence to score. The play became, not surprisingly, a bit disjointed from both sides under the conditions, but Cranleigh, playing direct rugby, was awarded a good try from a maul by Tom Tetley , converted. Half time 12-5.

Within three minutes of the second half, Ollie Middleton flew through the Farnham defense to score and convert. Cranleigh’s forwards continued to drive, with Luker Fielding and new recruit Bobby Bouchery impressing. Progress by Craleigh was slowed with a series of penalties in the rucks and mauls but did not stop Cranleigh from scoring three more tries – the best from Captain Sam Lawrence, who cleverly kicked over the Farnham defense to score. Farnham did get one more score after pulling themselves together right at the end, but  Cranleigh, for most of the game, was in control. More scores may have been achieved if the penalty count was not so high. Final score 31-12.

 We look forward to the First XV game next week at Wildwood Lane against unbeaten Haslemere, the league’s No. 1. The team also hopes to reverse the result at Haslemere earlier in the season. 

Report John Bailey 

Results Counties   4     7/12/24 

Cranleigh       HWO  Harlequins Amateurs 

Haslemere     23 -3 Old Glynonians 

Old Emanuel  19-23 Old Freemans

Old Paulines  21-29 Southwark Lancers 

Reigate          22-5 London French