Guildford Rugby Club
Match report, Farnham vs GRFC 1st XV, Saturday 14th November 2024
Farnham 29 – 0 Guildford
14th December 2024
Farnham Take Local Bragging Rights; for Guildford it is a Case of What Might Have Been
Team: 1. Jon Karimian 2. Ed Pasfield 3. James Delderfield, 4. Alex Burrill(C) 5. George Angel 6. Freddie Cole 7. Harry Phillips 8. Jordan Brodley 9. Ieuan Jones 10. Charlie Cuervo 11. Tom Waddell 12. Joe Garner 13. Barney King 14. Ben Bushell 15. Charlie Gibbons
Replacements: 16. Luke Brookes 17. Tom Roaf 18. Charlie Adams
Photo Credit, Mrs Sue Gardner
Farnham claimed local bragging rights with a 29-0 victory over Guildford at Monkton Lane, but the scoreline does not reflect the determination and resilience shown by the visitors, particularly in the first half. For Guildford, it was yet another afternoon where missed opportunities proved their undoing.
The match began under blue skies, a welcome change after weeks of inclement weather. Guildford kicked off with the sun in their eyes, and from the outset, the physicality of a derby match was evident. Both sides gave no quarter in the opening exchanges, with Guildford’s defence holding firm. The “blue wall” frustrated Farnham’s early efforts to find rhythm and the visitors showed a level of organisation that has been missing for much of the season.
Freddie Cole, back from university and slotting in at blindside flanker, stood out with an immense work rate both in attack and defence. His efforts earned him the opposition’s man-of-the-match accolade. James Delderfield provided stability in the front row after an early wobble at the scrum, allowing Guildford to hold their own against Farnham’s pack. In the backs, Charlie Cuervo adapted seamlessly to fly-half, dictating play well alongside Ieuan Jones at scrum-half, whose box-kicking gave Farnham’s back three plenty to deal with.
While Guildford’s defensive structure was impressive, their attacking game lacked precision. Several promising breaks, with Joe Garner, Charlie Gibbons and Alex Foley making strong runs, ultimately came to nothing due to a lack of support at the breakdown. Turnovers and penalties for holding on became a recurring theme and attacking lineouts failed to deliver the platform Guildford needed to capitalise on territory.
It took until the 30th minute for Farnham to break the deadlock. Their full-back exploited space out wide to score an unconverted try, giving the hosts a 5-0 lead at half-time. Considering the reverse fixture earlier in the season ended 31-0, this was a marked improvement for Guildford.
Farnham began the second half with greater intensity and within six minutes they struck twice - a converted try and a penalty - to extend their lead to 15-0. Guildford continued to battle hard, with their defence holding firm under sustained pressure. However, an infringement inside their own 22 saw Joe Garner shown a yellow card midway through the half. Farnham immediately made the extra man count, slicing through Guildford’s disorganised defence to score a converted try under the posts.
The visitors had a chance to respond when Farnham were reduced to 14 men after their prop was sin-binned. Guildford earned a 5-metre lineout, but the resulting attack came to nothing as the hosts defended resolutely. Uncontested scrums for the duration of the yellow card also disrupted Guildford’s momentum.
As the match entered its closing stages, Farnham sealed their bonus-point victory with a final converted try under the posts, bringing the score to 29-0. It was a harsh reflection on Guildford, who had shown plenty of heart but lacked the cutting edge to turn effort into points.
Now into the second half of the season, Guildford remain near the foot of the table. However, Saturday’s performance - particularly in the first half - offered glimmers of hope. If they can fine-tune their attack and support the ball-carrier more effectively, victories may not be far away.
Next up is a crucial home fixture against Chobham, preceded by the popular Christmas lunch, which has already sold out. The earlier meeting between the two sides was a nail-biter, and Guildford will be hoping to reverse their fortunes. A win could provide the boost they need to begin climbing the table. I am sure the lads would welcome your support on Saturday. Come on Guildford!
Mike Burden
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