Ewshot Recreation Ground hosted the annual village rugby match between Ewshot and Crondall on Good Friday, with the away team winning 14-12.

The game was played in aid of the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, with a Boxing Day tradition having been revived in recent years to take place at Easter. Farnham Rugby Club were represented across both teams, with players from all senior levels of the club playing alongside local village players.

Farnham rugby stalwart Andy ‘Sid’ Cranstone played his retirement match, joining proceedings at half-time as Ewshot led 12-0 following an opener from Charlie Gregory and a remarkable solo effort from Jon Vincent. 

However, Crondall were playing downhill in the second half and rallied to score two converted tries and take the win. Crondall had started the brighter team, but a sterling defensive effort from the home side secured a series of penalties to keep Crondall scoreless for the first quarter.

Momentum swung Ewshot’s way in the second quarter, with two tries coming before the half-time break. The first came as a result of a well-worked series of phases from Ewshot, keeping possession of the ball to send Farnham prop Gregory over the try line.

The second score came soon afterwards, with Ewshot gathering the restart and retaining possession well. Then, from deep inside his own half, Vincent took control to score a magnificent try topped off by an acrobatic dive. Felix Henderson added the conversion.

Crondall’s youthful legs took over in the third quarter, and their two converted tries from Harry Raw and Taryke Janse van Rensburg were enough to seal the win.

A late effort from Ewshot in their opponents’ 22 almost sealed what would have been a dramatic victory. However, a loose pass out wide signalled the end of the match, with Crondall retaining their title – one they will seek to defend on home turf in 2025.