Gallery: Gosport & Fareham beat Farnham

George Hillan lauded a brilliant performance from Gosport & Fareham after they got their first win of the season in London two south west with a 20-11 success against Farnham.
Wing James Wales hits fast forward for Gosport & Fareham against Farnham. Picture: Chris MoorhouseWing James Wales hits fast forward for Gosport & Fareham against Farnham. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Wing James Wales hits fast forward for Gosport & Fareham against Farnham. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

As well as Gosport's glory it was a maiden loss for Farnham who had started the day second in the table.

Understandably the home head coach Hillan was delighted.

He said: '˜The lads did exactly what we asked of them in training '“ to work on their defence and they did that. 

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'˜We had worked on our line speed, to put the pressure on and force the mistakes.'

Hillan was also impressed with the increased composure shown by the Blue and Golds. 

He added: '˜Our game management was much better.

'˜We understood the conditions and played to our strengths which was our pack.'

The heavy rain and breeze proved influential.

Gosport, playing with the wind, gained early possession.

Despite this they were the first to concede after nine minutes with Farnham kicking a penalty.

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The home side responded quickly and their line speed in defence began to force errors from Farnham. 

Increased pressure and a series of composed phases resulted with the ball reaching Dane Smallbone, playing his first match of the season at fly half.

Smallbone made the most of his chance to cross for Gosport's first try which was converted by Dom Holling.

Farnham pushed for the rest of the half but squandered two penalty opportunities 

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A late penalty in the half from Holling saw the home side go in 10-3 up at the break.

Despite having the wind in their faces second half, Gosport started much the stronger.

Sean Shepherd stretched the lead for Gosport with their second try. 

It wasn't all plain sailing.

Farnham began to use the wind to force field position which, primarily resulted in a converted try.

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This was followed shortly after by a successful penalty moving Farnham to within four points.

The pressure that Farnham were putting on Gosport and the subsequent series of penalties conceded led to a yellow card for Gosport's scrum-half Wesley Dugan.

It meant Gosport were forced to reorganise with 15 minutes to go.

Playing in front of their home crowd, however, Gosport remained composed in possession during the final stages.

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In the final minutes they stood strong to hold out when camped on their own line.

They put the icing on the cake by breaking out, going through the phases and putting man-of-the-match Shepherd in for another try in the corner.

The much-needed win saw the Blue & Golds climb off the bottom up to ninth in the league.

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