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Match Report 28th March 2026

CS Stags 1863 39 – Farnham RUFC 34

Back to winning ways, and a fantastic match!

Our Sponsors/Former Players/Supporters Day saw Farnham RUFC visit Dukes Meadows, and both teams put on a fantastic display of rugby worthy of the occasion, on a bright, breezy, spring afternoon. Thanks to all for coming down and participating.

After just 20 minutes, Stags were three tries to nil up, and the score 19-0. First winger Jack Gregson finished off a nice move with a cutting line to score on the left. Ten minutes later, No. 8 Ted Wainwright finished off some great rucking and mauling on the Farnham line, to burrow over for try number two under the posts. Full Back Alex Edwards converted. Lastly, our other winger on the right, Parimal Shreshta, slipped a couple of tackles to run in, and round under the posts for our third try, Edwards also converting.

Any thoughts of an early four try bonus point and a runaway Stags victory were premature though, and credit to Farnham, who showed great determination, and their fightback started immediately to quell the onslaught. Some good running, counter attacking, and breakaways saw them peg back two tries on the 30 and 39 minute marks, and suddenly they were back in the game at half time with the score at 19-12.

Second half started well for the Stags, with a score on the left after five minutes through centre Luke Trigg, after an elusive run through their defence. Unconverted, 24-12 now the score, and Stags had their four try bonus. But Farnham never gave up, and came back strong once again. With good running and attacking, and tries on 52 and 58 minutes, they too secured their four try bonus, and pegged the score back to 24-22. Stags thought they would also join in this ‘back at you’ game. Literally a minute later, skipper and hooker Pan Stylianou showed both strength and deft footwork skills, with a twenty yard run in on the left to score. This was mainly due to an excellent 40 metre breakout run from defence by second row George Butler, which saw Stags back in the Farnham 22 prior to the try. Alex Edwards mastered the gusty winds to convert from far out left, and the score now stood at 31-22 to the Stags.

Nice cushion, but such was the game, and Farnham determination, back came the visitors with their brand of swift and elusive counter attack running, putting pressure back on the Stags defensive line. The pressure told, and the Farnham pack drove over for two more tries on 65 and 70 minutes, one converted, and they now found themselves in the lead for the first time at 31-34. Groans emerged from the Stags faithful on the touch line. But also, some sharp dialogue from assistant coach Jake Farnworth to the boys out on the field, reminding them of their commitment, and that there were still ten minutes left!

It did the trick, as the Stags worked their way back to the Farnham 22, held their discipline and patience, and kept waves of attacks constant. On 75 minutes, this allowed a pass out wide to winger Jack Gregson for a clear run into the corner for his second try. Unconverted, Stags now led 36-34. The home side held steadfast and camped on the Farnham line for the remaining five minutes of the game, and when a penalty opportunity came at the death front of posts, Edwards slotted home to give Stags the 39-34 victory.

Six tries apiece, and a stunning exhibition of good rugby from both teams (I don’t even remember a single yellow card). Nice for Stags to get back to winning ways. Congratulations to the team for their resolve and grit in order to keep it at when under pressure towards the end, and secure the victory.

Tries: 30 points (x6) – Jack Gregson (x2), Ted Wanwright, Parimal Shreshta, Luke Trigg, Pantelis Stylianou.
Conversions: 6 points (x3) – Alex Edwards.
Penalty: 3 points (x1) – Alex Edwards.

There was no Staghounds (2nd XV) game on Saturday, as this was a Bye week for them in the Gauchos ROC London Shield League Table – Stage 2

Just one more match left in the league season for CS Stags 1863 1st XV, on Saturday 11th April, an away fixture at Maidenhead Rugby Club.

Easter Greetings to each and every one of you from CS Stags 1863.