READING FIGHT OFF FARNHAM TO BOOST SURVIVAL HOPES
Reading RFC 24 Farnham 19
YOUNG half backs Tom Sharp with 12 points from his boot and Hayden Wheeler who made two tries saw Reading enjoy a deserved victory over a Farnham team which ran in three tries but ran out of ideas against a resolute defence.
The home side were on the scoreboard after two minutes when Wheeler took a quick penalty and beat the Farnham defence up the touchline before slipping the ball inside to Borthwick who crossed for an unconverted try to give his side an early lead.
Reading held them out but eventually the pressure told and a multi-phase move ended with them scoring a try in the corner which was converted with a good kick to give Farnham a two point lead.
A penalty near the post which Sharp kicked to make the score 8-7 in Reading’s favour.
It did not stay that way for long as Farnham then attacked. They drove a line out from close to the Reading line which Reading initially held but could not deal with a break away. The try was not converted and Farnham were back in the lead.
The Reading pressure forced their opponents to concede a number of penalties and Sharp converted two of these to put Reading back in the lead at 14-12.
Farnham finished the half on the attack, but Reading were showing good energy in defence and some last ditch tackling kept Farnham out until the half time whistle went with Reading still in the lead.
Some good defence kept them out until eventually Reading were penalised near their own posts for a high tackle by Borthwick who was yellow carded.
Farnham took a shot at goal which hit a post and bounced back to one of their players who was quick on the uptake and crossed under the posts for a try which was converted to give Farnham a 14-19 lead.
Reading despite having 14 men for the next 10 minutes were more dominant and when they returned to full strength they put together one of their best attacking moves which featured strong breaks from David and
Nichol, before Wheeler broke for the line but was just stopped short and passed the ball to David who was tackled high to prevent him from scoring. The referee awarded a penalty try to give Reading a 21-19 lead.
Reading were on top now and after Sharp missed a penalty from a scrum offence by Farnham a good chase by Murray-Smith and Borthwick won a penalty in the Farnham 22 which Sharp kicked to make his personal contribution four penalties and the final score Reading 24 Farnham 19.
This was one of Reading’s best performances of the season and they showed energy and resolve throughout the game.
Their attack is showing more cohesion and their defence has become more organised and faster.
Reading are away next week to Chichester who are one of the teams that they need to overhaul if they are to reach safety in the league.
Tries: Borthwick, Penalty
Penalties: Sharp (4) smacked five past Egham Town in a clinical away performance.
Goals from Ellis Cowd, Dan
Warre, Joel Valentin, James