Farnham Academy lost out in the Surrey RFU under-18 Waterfall Cup final in the cruellest manner possible.

When the final whistle blew the score was locked at 5-5.

That sent the Surrey competition organisers scurrying to consult the rule book to decide what happened next – and that determined that Dorking should be declared victors as they had scored first.

It was a devastating end to a drizzly Sunday at London Irish RFC, when Farnham’s Academy side comprising under-17 and under-18 players took the field against a big Dorking side in their bid to retain the trophy.

Having won every game in the group against tough opposition, Farnham looked to continue their winning ways.

The game was a very even contest.

Farnham shaded the forward battle, dominating the set piece and the open play with aggressive and committed tackling.

Dorking, meanwhile, had the better of the backs contest with a well-drilled, dangerous back line.

Those backs contrived to score a breakaway try in the first half but Farnham struck back in the second with a classic forwards’ lineout drive to the corner.

Neither try was converted.

As the game continued, Farnham were unlucky to miss out on a series of opportunities including three more lineouts on the Dorking five-metre line.

Dorking had a last-gasp penalty kick to seal the game but the attempt squeezed past the wrong side of the post.

There was just time for Farnham to put in one last gallant attack but it was foiled by Dorking’s committed defence.

Despite the double disappointment, every credit must go to a highly-committed Farnham team that contained an even mix of under-17 and under-18 players.

Next up is the campaign to retain the Quins Cup in the second half of the season.

Andy Dickin