OLD Caterhamians Academy 14, Farnham Academy 18. Farnham RFC Academy (17/18 years) made the long trip across Surrey for Sunday’s kick-off in the Proxime Surrey U18 League Division Two.

Both sides started strongly, with Old Cats using the short ball to retain possession, but not making much ground.

Firm defence allowed Farnham to break through on the left. James Brooker delivered the final pass for Connor West to finish a fine move in the corner, only for play to be called back as Brooker was adjudged to have put a foot in touch.

Farnham kept up the pressure and when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, Ollie Hyland kicked the opening points.

Soon, Joey Read crossed over out wide and Hyland added the extras. A second try followed for Read and although the conversion was missed, Hyland made no mistake with a subsequent penalty, giving Farnham an 18-0 lead.

However, any thoughts of an easy ride for Farnham soon disappeared as Old Cats hit back with converted tries either side of half-time, and now it was 14-18.

For the next 20 minutes, Old Cats set up camp in the opposing half, but the Farnham scrum was solid as a rock. Finding no way through, the home side abandoned the short-ball approach and waves of attacks came through the midfield, only to be repelled by Farnham’s defence.

Finally, with some quality possession, Farnham began to inch their way back up the pitch. With less than five minutes left, Old Cats burst through again, only to be denied by a superb cover tackle from Hyland.

Old Cats, needing five points, twice ran penalties in the last minute, but Farnham held out in a nail-biting finish.