EASTLEIGH 19, FARNHAM 17

THIS was the bout for the undisputed leadership of London 3SW – two heavyweights ready to go the full 15 rounds.

And it lived up to its billing for the entire 80 minutes, with Eastleigh finally inflicting a first defeat of the season on Farnham, albeit by a margin of just two points.

A noisy Hampshire crowd enjoyed the encounter, played out on a perfect surface, but in a tricky wind, and in the way of all close battles, it was eventually decided by small margins.

Farnham began well, enjoying the bulk of possession and making inroads into Eastleigh territory. The pack, spearheaded by Pete Daly and backed up by Ian and Dan Williams, battered into the home half and Mike Salmon narrowly missed an early penalty. It was to be a dire day for Farnham kickers.

Salmon promptly launched a huge touch-finder and the lineout was stolen by Farnham. But the No 10 missed the subsequent penalty in the swirling wind.

Eastleigh, in turn, spurned three points and it was Farnham who got their noses in front when Toby Salmon crossed over wide out. Conversion missed and for all Farnham’s good work, they could count 11 points squandered with only 15 minutes gone.

Back came Eastleigh and their pack produced good ball deep in the Farnham 22. Jack Berry (think Scott Gibbs) barrelled his way over and skipper Mike Salmon was concussed as he tried to prevent the try, meaning a ten-minute delay while the medics were called.

Phil Baldwin’s conversion gave Eastleigh a 7-5 lead on the resumption.

Farnham fluffed another penalty, but it stung Luke Jermyn into action as he set off on a mazy run infield. Toby Salmon took over and his offload enabled Jemi Akin Olugbade to show his class, weaving over for a try (conversion missed) that gave Farnham a slender 10-7 advantage at half-time. Thirteen points had gone begging though.

The visitors began the second half on the front foot and their dominant scrum marched Eastleigh backwards. Storming into the home 22 through James Corlett and Olugbade, Farnham got the ball to Ian Williams who went over by the posts and Toby Salmon added that elusive conversion.

Eastleigh responded to their vociferous supporters and when Jonny Davison was yellow-carded for a late tackle, the crowd greeted the decision with gladiatorial delight.

The door opened for the home side against 14 men. Will Orson chipped ahead, the bounce was favourable and Dan Sullivan dotted down, closing the gap to 12-17.

The scrums were still very much the visitors’ domain, but with Davison still in the bin, Eastleigh were showing their teeth at the breakdown.

With time running out, a training-ground lineout move exposed Farnham’s defence and Baldwin delayed his pass long enough for Tom Willoughby to cut a perfect line and scythe through for the decisive try. Baldwin kicked a simple conversion and it was 19-17 with three minutes to go.

It was not over yet. Baldwin’s spiralling penalty kick hit the post, while a final Farnham attack was only stopped by heroic defence. Farnham were penalised and Baldwin booted the ball off the field to end the game.

Some might-have-beens if the kicks had gone over, but Farnham offered no excuses. They look forward to the return fixture, but need an immediate response this weekend when they host US Portsmouth.

Farnham’s Podium Points: Toby Salmon 3, James Trodden 2, Dan Williams 1.