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Gosford Jan ‘07
Faringdon RUFC Under 9s and Under 10s visited Gosford RUFC on Sunday 28th January for training and they were combined to make up one team to play 2 matches against the host Gosford. Cormack Jupe led Faringdon in the first game, which was very exciting. Gosford attacked with tremendous ferocity in the first half and took a well deserved 3 tries to nil lead, however Faringdon showed a tremendous effort in tackling and defensive play and managed to keep the score down. It wasn’t all one way traffic as Cormack made one great run out of defence and unfortunately was not able to get his pass away to Edward Kershaw – Houghton who was on his shoulder in support. Half time arrived and a chance to regroup and refocus and Faringdon did just that with a fantastic second half performance! Hugo Johnstone got the second half off to a great start with a try within a few minutes, then Cormack made another great break out and this time did manage to get his pass to Edward Kershaw – Houghton who touched down in the corner. With time ticking away it was looking like Faringdon would not be able to draw level, but then a zig-zag run by scrum half Alec Barton who off loaded to our hooker Ben Holt, who in turn found Cormack who scored to top a great game from the captain.
After some fitness training led by the Gosford coaches it was back for the second game with Gosford. Again Gosford showed their strength and skill to take an early 2 tries to nil lead. It looked, as half time approach that Faringdon would again be trailing at the break. However just before half time there was a scrum on the half way line, which presented a perfect ball for Alec Barton who passed to our dynamic fly half Alfie Duffen, who with speed of thought saw a gap on the blind side and used his electric pace to storm over for a great solo effort. The half time team talk was much more positive as result and this clearly galvanised the Faringdon players to make even more effort. The second half started again with great defensive skill and there was one memorable moment when Alex Kitchener and Ben Holt lent their strength to ensure at one maul that Gosford were not going to win the ball as they were pushed backwards to leave Alec Barton time and space to feed George Kershaw – Houghton who again showed his lightning speed and he jinked past several Gosford defenders before passing to the eagerly waiting Alex Warburton who made no mistake. With time ticking away it looked like the two teams who were very evenly matched were destined to draw again. However there was to be one more twist in this thrilling contest when the captain for the second game Hugo Johnstone supporting another run from Cormack, who had only just returned to the pitch after suffering an injury, scored to win the game - 3 tries to 2.
What a great day, great hospitality and performance from the host Gosford. Normally Faringdon name a player who in the coaches opinion deserves an award for player of the week, but this wasn’t given this week as it would have been unfair to single out any player as this was a tremendous effort from all of the Faringdon team.
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