Boro battle back to take share of points
FARNBOROUGH drew 15-15 at home to Basingstoke II in Hampshire Merit Counties 4B on Saturday.
Last time these two teams met, it was a game of severe attrition for Farnborough with three hospitalisations, so the home side were up for the challenge and with something to prove to themselves.
Basingstoke kicked off with a strong wind in their favour, looking for the psychological advantage of a half-time lead. And with Farnborough held in their 22 for the first 15 minutes, in which they gave away penalties, the visitors took advantage.
And although they saw a yellow card for a poor tackle at speed, still gained two tries in the first 20 minutes - the second of those was from a fumbled dropped ball in Farnborough’s goal area.
Things started to turn for the better as Basingstoke’s kicker was obviously struggling with the wind, having missed two conversions, missed a penalty in front of the posts.
Farnborough made ground and a brilliant try from Brad Warren in the corner and a spectacular conversion against the wind from the angle by James Windle took the half time score to 10-7.
After the break, Farnborough returned with some fire and energy.
Five minutes in, Chris Love-Baker scored by the posts, but wind caused issues with the conversion, Windle hitting the posts.
A series of penalties and an unconverted try took the score to 12-15 with 25 minutes remaining.
Eight minutes later Windle levelled the scores with a penalty.
Despite all their efforts, Farnborough couldn’t make that extra score to nick a win.
Farnborough are next in action on Saturday, January 13 at Bognor.